Poem by William Watson

The Glimpse

Just for a day you crossed my life's dull track,
  Put my ignobler dreams to sudden shame,
Went your bright way, and left me to fall back
  On my own world of poorer deed and aim;

To fall back on my meaner world, and feel
  Like one who, dwelling 'mid some, smoke-dimmed town,—
In a brief pause of labour's sullen wheel,—
  'Scaped from the street's dead dust and factory's frown,—

In stainless daylight saw the pure seas roll,
  Saw mountains pillaring the perfect sky:
Then journeyed home, to carry in his soul
  The torment of the difference till he die.

1. On Landor's “Hellenics”
2. Scentless Flow'rs I Bring Thee
3. In Laleham Churchyard
4. Mensis Lacrimarum
5. The Blind Summit

Thomas Hardy The Glimpse ("She sped through the door")

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