Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By Edwin ArlingtonRobinson

1609 Luke Havergal

GO to the western gate, Luke Havergal,—

There where the vines cling crimson on the wall,—

And in the twilight wait for what will come.

The wind will moan, the leaves will whisper some,—

Whisper of her, and strike you as they fall;

But go, and if you trust her she will call.

Go to the western gate, Luke Havergal—

Luke Havergal.

No, there is not a dawn in eastern skies

To rift the fiery night that ’s in your eyes;

But there, where western glooms are gathering,

The dark will end the dark, if anything:

God slays Himself with every leaf that flies,

And hell is more than half of paradise.

No, there is not a dawn in eastern skies—

In eastern skies.

Out of a grave I come to tell you this,—

Out of grave I come to quench the kiss

That flames upon your forehead with a glow

That blinds you to the way that you must go.

Yes, there is yet one way to where she is,—

Bitter, but one that faith can never miss.

Out of a grave I come to tell you this—

To tell you this.

There is the western gate, Luke Havergal,

There are the crimson leaves upon the wall.

Go,—for the winds are tearing them away,—

Nor think to riddle the dead words they say,

Nor any more to feel them as they fall;

But go! and if you trust her she will call.

There is the western gate, Luke Havergal—

Luke Havergal.