For other versions of this work, see Mars (Coates).
MARS—1907
In the blue, cloudless heaven
A single star,
Lone torch and lamp of even,
Burning afar;
Not with the radiance tender
Of other stars,
But with insistent splendor,—
Celestial Mars!
Above the summits hoary
Of ancient hills,
It yet pours out a glory
On lakes and rills,
As when Selene passes
Across the night
And her fair image glasses,
Leaving its light.
Strange planet! Thou dost awe me,
As by a spell;
Thou dost uplift and draw me
Where thou dost dwell!
Thy mysteries to capture
Let others guess;
Mine—mine to feel with rapture
Thy beauteousness.