Alter-Flame Poem by George Sterling

I saw a mountain at the close of day,
Snow-crowned and lonely, where the after-glow
Lingered, the ghost of sunset, fading slow.
I said, 'This is God's altar, and the way
Earthward, of things eternal, even all they
That see His face.' And evening was, and lo!
I was aware how that inviolate snow
Upheld a fire! As one that in dismay
Views what he deems a mystery, so I
Stood silent, till, an alien glory grown,
That light broke loose to a remoter sky
And in its deeper heaven burned alone.
So had the star of evening, fancied nigh,
Sate for a little that stupendous throne.