Augustin S. Macdonald, comp. A Collection of Verse by California Poets. 1914.
By Lionel JosaphareTo My Ink-Well
T
Thou imp, thou gnome, a moody friend art thou.
And yet thyself I would not trade, I vow,
For golden ink-decanter with a rim
Of pearls and decorations wreathed and slim.
Now tell me, ugly boy with inky brow,
Of some unwritten thoughts, which you allow
To dream awhile within your tranquil brim.
How many black imaginings are there
Waiting to crawl out for my livelihood?
Phantasmas, whims, a poet’s morbid ware,
Capricious thoughts, perhaps misunderstood?—
All liquid yet and blended in their well;
Some will be born; how many, who can tell?