Fair Moon, that at the chilly day's decline <br />Of sharp December through my cottage pane <br />Dost lovely look, smiling, though in thy wane! <br />In thought, to scenes, serene and still as thine, <br />Wanders my heart, whilst I by turns survey <br />Thee slowly wheeling on thy evening way; <br />And this my fire, whose dim, unequal light, <br />Just glimmering, bids each shadowy image fall <br />Sombrous and strange upon the darkening wall, <br />Ere the clear tapers chase the deepening night! <br />Yet thy still orb, seen through the freezing haze, <br />Shines calm and clear without; and whilst I gaze, <br />I think, around me in this twilight room, <br />I but remark mortality's sad gloom; <br />Whilst hope and joy cloudless and soft appear, <br />In the sweet beam that lights thy distant sphere.<br /><br />William Lisle Bowles<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/winter-evening-at-home/
