Thomas MacDonagh

1 February 1878 - 3 May 1916 / Cloughjordan / Ireland

Luna Dies Et Nox Et Noctis Signa Severa

The mountain, rolled in purple, fold on fold,
Delicate, dim, aware,
After the sunset, when the twilight air
Is hush, expectant :-- And below, between
The road-way and the mountain, the thin screen,
Frigid and straight, of trees of darkening green:

Above the middle mountain, sudden, soon,
Half burnished, ready risen, the round moon:
Then burnished full : Splendour and the stars' light:
Light and the night and the austere signs of the night.
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