I have come back from the wide sea,
To breathe the narrow dust again,
In cities, where men cumber men.
Why is it that I dare not be
Alone with Nature? Coming near
The light and peace of her austere
Regard, I am filled with shameful fear.
What is this thing the towns have made,
Into their likeness made anew,
Until we know not star or dew?
We are afraid of light, afraid
Of windy space, and naked skies,
And all in heaven and earth that lies
Beyond this prison of our eyes.
