I saw a mountain at the close of day, <br />Snow-crowned and lonely, where the after-glow <br />Lingered, the ghost of sunset, fading slow. <br />I said, 'This is God's altar, and the way <br />Earthward, of things eternal, even all they <br />That see His face.' And evening was, and lo! <br />I was aware how that inviolate snow <br />Upheld a fire! As one that in dismay <br />Views what he deems a mystery, so I <br />Stood silent, till, an alien glory grown, <br />That light broke loose to a remoter sky <br />And in its deeper heaven burned alone. <br />So had the star of evening, fancied nigh, <br />Sate for a little that stupendous throne.<br /><br />George Sterling<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/alter-flame/
