A Sunrise Song

Sidney Lanier (1842–1881)

YOUNG palmer sun, that to the shining sands

Pourest thy pilgrim’s tale, discoursing still

Thy silver passages of sacred lands,

With news of Sepulchre and Dolorous Hill,

Canst thou be he that, Yester-Sunset warm,

Purple with Paynim rage and wrack-desire,

Dashed ravening out of a dusty lair of storm,

Harried the west, and set the world on fire?

Hast thou perchance repented, Saracen Sun?

Wilt warm the world with peace and dove-desire?

Or wilt thou, ere this very day be done,

Blaze Saladin still, with unforgiving fire?