The Ancient Elf

I am the maker,
The builder, the breaker,
The eagle-winged helper,
The speedy forsaker.

I am the lyre,
The water, the fire,
The tooth of oppression,
The lips of desire.

The snare and the wing,
The 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.

Songs From The Clay [1915]