The Inverted Torch

THREADING a darksome passage all alone,

The taper’s flame, by envious current blown.

Crouched low, and eddied round, as in affright,

So challenged by the vast and hostile night,

Then down I held the taper;—swift and fain

Up climbed the lovely flower of light again!

Thou Kindler of the spark of life divine,

Be henceforth the Inverted Torch a sign

That, though the flame beloved thou dost depress,

Thou wilt not speed it into nothingness;

But out of nether gloom wilt reinspire,

And homeward lift the keen empyreal fire!