THE SUNLIGHT ON THE

THE SUNLIGHT ON THE GARDEN
LUIS MACNEICE (1907-1963)

The sunlight on the garden
Hardens and grows cold,
We cannot cage the minute
Within its nets of gold
When all is told
We cannot beg for pardon

Our freedom as free lances
Advances towards its end
The earth compels upon it
Sonnets and birds escend
And soon my friend
We shall have no time for dances

The sky was good for flying
Defying the church bells
And every evil  iron
Siren and what it tells
The earth compels
We are dying, Egypt, dying

And not expecting pardon
Hardened in heart anew
But glad to have sat under
Thunder and rain with you
And grateful too
For sunlight on the garden

( antony to Cleopatra, I am dying , Egypt, dying )