STEPHENS, James



The Ancient Elf


I am the maker,

The builder, the breaker,

The eagle-winged helper,

The speedy forsaker!


The lance and the lyre,

The water, the fire,

The tooth of oppression,

The lip of desire!


The snare and the wing,

They honey, the sting!

When you seek for me--look

For a different thing!


I, careless and gay,

Never mean what I say,

For my thoughts and my eyes

Look the opposite way!