Mark Van Doren - The Deepest Dream lyrics

The deepest dream is of mad governors, Down, down we feel it, till the very crust Of the world cracks, and where there was no dust, Atoms of ruin rise. Confusion stirs, And fear; and all our thoughts--dark scavengers-- Feed on the center's refuse. Hope is thrust Like wind away, and love sinks into lust For merest safety, meanest of levelers. And then we wake. Or do we? Sleep endures More than the morning can, when shadows lie Sharper than mountains, and the cleft is real Between us and our kings. What sun a**ures Our courage, and what evening by and by Descends to rest us, and perhaps to heal?