The Moon Symbol, Bliss Carman, 1931 This is the sign of the moon Worn by the tribes of the West, The sacred symbol of Night Guarding the love in the breast. This is the mystical charm Out of soft moon-metal wrought, With all of its magic intact, The Navajo silversmith caught, When he beheld in the dusk That marvellous sickle of light Hang o'er the desert to guide The footsteps of lovers aright. Was not a sorcerer here Casting a silvery spell, Calling the Manitou down In the wrought symbol to dwell ? Surely a poet was he, Seeking a word of his own For the enchantment of night He too had seen and known ! Bidding the silver assume The language of beauty and be Witness of love for the dumb Yet impassioned -- even as he. He too a lover had been, (Does not his handicraft say?) Touched with the glamour of life, And giving his heart away. See where the hammer-marks prove The faith of the artist sublime -- Love and its work must abide, Outlasting the sand storms of time. Yours be this talisman too, Lovers of beauty and light, Leaving your hearts to the care Of the great spirit of night !