The Expectation of the Nations

(The Saviour of the World, Vol I Book I Poem II)

Conflict, disaster, ceased: the Earth was still
As one who holds his breath: proud souls and meek
Waited the Expectation of the Nations.

A rustle under foot when none doth move,
Peals overhead when skies are blue and high,
Warm breath on cheek when no man is in sight,—

As though by signs like these, were men perturbed:
All hearts uprose, as seas to meet the moon,
Questioning, uneasy, How t’abide the Coming?

No man could tell what he was looking for;
Each knew within himself a nameless need;
And souls, an-hungered, for appeasement cried.