Vignette For The Unicorn
    So white that for him was named the morn,
    Standing aloof in the cool green wood,
    Coat shining in the captive light of his horn-
    He looked at me, and for a moment I understood.

    I understood all the mysteries of the world
    For they were caught in that cool dark gaze,
    Dark as the void between the stars hurled,
    Where whirl the planets on musical ways.

    The calm song of knowledge rang in my ears,
    Delicate as the step of cloven hooves
    Over the grass which, on the periphery of tears,
    Bears witness to the fairest thing that moves.

    As sudden as darkness shattered by light,
    As sudden as sunrise or summer storm,
    The knowledge put all my shadows to flight
    And wrapped itself about me to keep me warm.

    Then, daylight-gentle and tempest-wild,
    Knowledge's bearer slipped away from me.
    And the knowledge went with him, as sweet and mild
    As azure lid of tranquil sea.

    I put out a hand, but it was too late.
    Understanding had graced me with its touch,
    And then left, locking behind it the gate.
    Perhaps of some things one can have too much.

    But since then I live in reverie.
    Since then I know not for what I yearn.
    And since then I know that which did not flee:
    Wisdom is a thing I have yet to learn.