Silence

There are some qualities — some incorporate things  
That have a double life — life aptly made,  
The type of that twin entity which springs  
From matter and light, evinced in solid and shade.  
There is a two-fold __Silence__ — sea and shore —  
Body and soul. One dwells in lonely places,  
Newly with grass o’ergrown. Some solemn graces —  
Some human memories and tearful lore,  
Render him terrorless — his name’s “No More.”  
He is the corporate Silence — dread him not!  
No power hath he of evil in himself;  
But should some urgent fate — untimely lot!  
Bring thee to meet his __shadow__ (nameless elf,  
Who haunteth the dim regions where hath trod  
No foot of man) — commend thyself to God!