The Ancient Elf

by
James Stephens

 I am the maker,
 The builder, the breaker,
 The eagle-winged helper,
 The speedy forsaker!
 
 The lance and the lyre,
 The water, the fire,
 The tooth of oppression,
 The lip of desire!
 
 The snare and the wing,
 They 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!
 

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