The Surface of Past Time

 

(M.C. Escher: "Three Worlds," 1955)

  As one who hangs down-bending from the side
  Of a slow-moving boat, upon the breast
  Of a still water, solacing himself
  With such discoveries as his eye can make
  Beneath him in the bottom of the deep,                     260
  Sees many beauteous sights--weeds, fishes, flowers,
  Grots, pebbles, roots of trees, and fancies more,
  Yet often is perplexed, and cannot part
  The shadow from the substance, rocks and sky,
  Mountains and clouds, reflected in the depth
  Of the clear flood, from things which there abide
  In their true dwelling; now is crossed by gleam
  Of his own image, by a sunbeam now,
  And wavering motions sent he knows not whence,
  Impediments that make his task more sweet;                 270
  Such pleasant office have we long pursued
  Incumbent o'er the surface of past time [...]

-William Wordsworth (from The Prelude, Book IV)
Meadowlark Lemons.

The Surface of Past Time
