The Borderland - 9 

I saw, in the twilight of flagging consciousness, 
My body floating down an ink-black stream 
With its mass of feelings, with its varied emotion, 
With its many-coloured life-long store of memories, 
With its flutesong. And as it drifted on and on 
Its outlines dimmed; and among familiar tree-shaded 
Villages on the banks, the sounds of evening 
Worship grew faint, doors were closed, lamps 
Were covered, boats were moored to the ghats. Crossings 
From either side of the stream stopped; night thickened; 
From the forest-branches fading birdsorig offered 
Self-sacrifice to a huge silence. 
Dark formlessness settled over all diversity 
Of land and water. As shadow, as particles, my body 
Fused with endless night. I came to rest 
At the altar of the stars. Alone, amazed, I stared 
Upwards with hands clasped and said: 'Sun, you have removed 
Your rays: show now your loveliest, kindhest form 
That I may see the Person who dwells in me as in you.'