PartI。YOUTHANDCHANGE
INTRODUCTORYSONNET
ASonnetisamoment’smonument，——
MemorialfromtheSoul’seternityToonedeaddeathlesshour。Lookthatitbe，Whetherforlustralriteordireportent，Ofitsownarduousfulnessreverent：
Carveitinivoryorinebony，AsDayorNightmayrule；andletTimeseeItsfloweringcrestimpearledandorient。
ASonnetisacoin：itsfacerevealsThesoul，——itsconverse，towhatPower’tisdue：——
WhetherfortributetotheaugustappealsOfLife，ordowerinLove’shighretinue，Itserve；or，’midthedarkwharf’scavernousbreath，InCharon’spalmitpaythetolltoDeath。
LOVEENTHRONED
ImarkedallkindredPowerstheheartfindsfair：——
Truth，withawedlips；andHope，witheyesupcast；
AndFame，whoseloudwingsfantheashenPastTosignal—fires，Oblivion’sflighttoscare；
AndYouth，withstillsomesinglegoldenhairUntohisshoulderclinging，sincethelastEmbracewhereintwosweetarmsheldhimfast；
AndLife，stillwreathingflowersforDeathtowear。
Love’sthronewasnotwiththese；butfaraboveAllpassionatewindofwelcomeandfarewellHesatinbreathlessbowerstheydreamnotof；
ThoughTruthforeknowLove’sheart，andHopeforetell，AndFamebeforLove’ssakedesirable，AndYouthbedear，andLifebesweettoLove。
BRIDALBIRTH
Aswhendesire，longdarkling，dawns，andfirstThemotherlooksuponthenew—bornchild，EvensomyLadystoodatgazeandsmiledWhenhersoulknewatlengththeLoveitnursed。
Bornwithherlife，creatureofpoignantthirstAndexquisitehunger，atherheartLovelayQuickeningindarkness，tillavoicethatdayCriedonhim，andthebondsofbirthwereburst。
Now，shieldedinhiswings，ourfacesyearnTogether，ashisfullgrownfeetnowrangeThegrove，andhiswarmhandsourcouchprepare：
TilltohissongourbodilesssoulsinturnBebornhischildren，whenDeath’snuptialchangeLeavesusforlightthehaloofhishair。
REDEMPTION
OThouwhoatLove’shourecstaticallyUntomylipsdostevermorepresentThebodyandbloodofLoveinsacrament；
WhomIhavenearedandfeltthybreathtobeTheinmostincenseofhissanctuary；
Whowithoutspeechhastownedhim，andintentUponhiswill，thylifewithminehastblent，Andmurmuredo’erthecup，Rememberme！——
0whatfromtheethegrace，formetheprize，AndwhattoLovetheglory，——whenthewholeOfthedeepstairthoutread’sttothedimshoalAndwearywateroftheplaceofsighs，Andtheredostworkdeliverance，asthineeyesDrawupmyprisonedspirittothysoul！
LOVESIGHT
WhendoIseetheemost，belovedone？
WheninthelightthespiritsofmineeyesBeforethyface，theiraltar，solemnizeTheworshipofthatLovethroughtheemadeknown？
Orwhenintheduskhours，（wetwoalone，）
Close—kissedandeloquentofstillrepliesThytwilight—hiddenglimmeringvisagelies，Andmysoulonlyseesthysoulitsown？
0love，mylove！ifInomoreshouldseeThyself，norontheearththeshadowofthee，Norimageofthineeyesinanyspring，——
HowthenshouldsounduponLife’sdarkeningslopeTheground—whirloftheperishedleavesofHope，ThewindofDeath’simperishablewing？
HEART’SHOPE
Bywhatword’spower，thekeyofpathsuntrod，ShallIthedifficultdeepsofLoveexplore，TillpartedwavesofSongyielduptheshoreEvenasthatseawhichIsraelcrosseddry—shod？
Forlo！insomepoorrhythmicperiod，Lady，IfainwouldtellhowevermoreThysoulIknownotfromthybody，norTheefrommyself，neitherourlovefromGod。
Yea，inGod’sname，andLove’s，andthine，wouldI
DrawfromonelovingheartsuchevidenceAstoallheartsallthingsshallsignify；
Tenderasdawn’sfirsthill—fire，andintenseAsinstantaneouspenetratingsense，InSpring’sbirth—hour，ofotherSpringsgoneby。
THEKISS
Whatsmoulderingsensesindeath’ssickdelayOrseizureofmalignvicissitudeCanrobthisbodyofhonour，ordenudeThissoulofwedding—raimentwornto—day？
Forlo！evennowmylady’slipsdidplayWiththesemylipssuchconsonantinterludeAslaurelledOrpheuslongedforwhenhewooedThehalf—drawnhungeringfacewiththatlastlay。
Iwasachildbeneathhertouch，——amanWhenbreasttobreastweclung，evenIandshe，——
Aspiritwhenherspiritlookedthroughme，——
Agodwhenallourlife—breathmettofanOurlife—blood，tilllove’semulousardoursran，Firewithinfire，desireindeity。*
*[sic]
NUPTIALSLEEP
Atlengththeirlongkisssevered，withsweetsmart：
AndasthelastslowsuddendropsareshedFromsparklingeaveswhenallthestormhasfled，Sosinglyflaggedthepulsesofeachheart。
Theirbosomssundered，withtheopeningstartOfmarriedflowerstoeithersideoutspreadFromtheknitstem；yetstilltheirmouths，burntred，Fawnedoneachotherwheretheylayapart。
Sleepsankthemlowerthanthetideofdreams，Andtheirdreamswatchedthemsink，andslidaway。
Slowlytheirsoulsswamupagain，throughgleamsOfwateredlightanddulldrownedwaifsofday；
TillfromsomewonderofnewwoodsandstreamsHewoke，andwonderedmore：forthereshelay。
SUPREMESURRENDER
0allthespiritsoflovethatwanderbyAlongthelove—sownfallowfieldofsleepMyladyliesapparent；andthedeepCallstothedeep；andnomanseesbutI。
Theblisssolongafar，atlengthsonigh，Reststhereattained。MethinksproudLovemustweepWhenFate’scontroldothfromhisharvestreapThesacredhourforwhichtheyearsdidsigh。
Firsttouched，thehandnowwarmaroundmyneckTaughtmemorylongtomockdesire：andlo！
Acrossmybreasttheabandonedhairdothflow，Whereoneshorntresslongstirredthelongingache：
AndnexttheheartthattrembledforitssakeLiesthequeen—heartinsovereignoverthrow。
LOVE’SLOVERS
SomeladieslovethejewelsinLove’szoneAndgold—tippeddartshehathforpainlessplayInidlescornfulhoursheflingsaway；
Andsomethatlistentohislure’ssofttoneDolovetodeemthesilverpraisetheirown；
Someprizehisblindfoldsight；andtherebetheyWhokissedhiswingswhichbroughthimyesterdayAndthankhiswingsto—daythatheisflown。
MyladyonlylovestheheartofLove：
ThereforeLove’sheart，mylady，hathfortheeHisbowerofunimaginedflowerandtree：
Therekneelshenow，andall—anhungeredofThineeyesgrey—litinshadowinghairabove，Sealswiththymouthhisimmortality。
PASSIONANDWORSHIP
Oneflame—wingedbroughtawhite—wingedharp—playerEvenwheremyladyandIlayallalone；
Saying：’Behold，thisminstrelisunknown；
Bidhimdepart，forIamminstrelhere：
OnlymystrainsaretoLove’sdearones，dear。’
ThensaidI：’Throughthinehautboy；srapturoustoneUntomyladystillthisharpmakesmoan，Andstillshedeemsthecadencedeepandclear。’
Thensaidmy，lady：’ThouartPassionofLove，AndthisLovesWorship：bothheplightstome。
Thymasteringmusicwalksthesunlitsea：
ButwherewanwatertremblesinthegroveAndthewanmoonisallthelightthereof，Thisharpstillmakesmynameitsvoluntary。’
THEPORTRAIT
OLordofallcompassionatecontrol，0Love！letthismylady’spictureglowUndermyhandtopraisehername，andshowEvenofherinnerselftheperfectwhole：
Thathewhoseeksherbeauty’sfurthestgoal，BeyondthelightthatthesweetglancesthrowAndrefluentwaveofthesweetsmile，mayknowTheveryskyandsea—lineofhersoul。
Lo！itisdone。AbovethelonglithethroatThemouth’smouldtestifiesofvoiceandkiss，Theshadowedeyesrememberandforesee。
Herfaceismadehershrine。LetallmennoteThatinallyears（0Love，thygiftisthis！）
Theythatwouldlookonhermustcometome。
THELOVE—LETTER
WarmedbyherhandandshadowedbyherhairAsclosesheleanedandpouredherheartthroughthee，WhereofthearticulatethrobsaccompanyThesmoothblackstreamthatmakesthywhitenessfair，——
Sweetflutteringsheet，evenofherbreathaware，——
OhletthysilentsongdisclosetomeThatsoulwherewithherlipsandeyesagreeLikemarriedmusicinLove’sansweringair。
FainhadIwatchedherwhen，atsomefondthought，Herbosomtothewritingcloselierpress’d，Andherbreast’ssecretspeeredintoherbreast；
When，througheyesraisedaninstant，hersoulsoughtMysoul，andfromthesuddenconfluencecaughtThewordsthatmadeherlovetheloveliest。
THELOVERS’WALK
Sweettwininghedgeflowerswind—stirredinnowiseOnthisJuneday；andhandthatclingsinhand：——
Stillglades；andmeetingfacesscarcelyfann’d：——
Anosier—odouredstreamthatdrawstheskiesDeeptoitsheart；andmirroredeyesineyes：——
Freshhourlywondero’ertheSummerlandOflightandcloud；andtwosoulssoftlyspann’dWithoneo’erarchingheavenofsmilesandsighs：——
Evensuchtheirpath，whosebodiesleanuntoEachother’svisiblesweetnessamorously，——
WhosepassionateheartsleanbyLove’shighdecreeTogetheronhisheartforevertrue，Asthecloud—foamingfirmamentalblueRestsonthebluelineofafoamlesssea。
ANTIPHONY
’Iloveyou，sweet：howcanyoueverlearnHowmuchIloveyou？’’YouIloveevenso，AndsoIlearnit。’’Sweet，youcannotknowHowfairyouare。’’IffairenoughtoearnYourlove，somuchisallmylove’sconcern。’
’Mylovegrowshourly，sweet。’’Minetoodothgrow，Yetloveseemedfullsomanyhoursago！’
Thusloversspeak，tillkissesclaimtheirturn。
Ah！happytheytowhomsuchwordsastheseInyouthhaveservedforspeechthewholedaylong，Hourafterhour，remotefromtheworld’sthrong，Work，contest，fame，alllife’sconfederatepleas，——
WhatwhileLovebreathedinsighsandsilencesThroughtwoblentsoulsonerapturousundersong。
YOUTH’SSPRING—TRIBUTE
OnthissweetbankyourheadthricesweetanddearIlay，andspreadyourhaironeitherside，Andseethenewbornwoodflowersbashful—eyedLookthroughthegoldentresseshereandthere。
Onthesedebateable*bordersoftheyearSpring’sfoothalffalters；scarcesheyetmayknowTheleaflessblackthorn—blossomfromthesnow；
Andthroughherbowersthewind’swaystillisclear。
ButApril’ssunstrikesdownthegladesto—day；
Soshutyoureyesupturned，andfeelmykissCreep，astheSpringnowthrillsthrougheveryspray，Upyourwarmthroattoyourwarmlips：forthisIseventhehourofLove’sswornsuitservice，Withwhomcoldheartsarecountedcastaway。
*[sic]
THEBIRTH—BOND
Havwyounotnoted，insomefamilyWheretwowerebornofafirstmarriage—bed，Howstilltheyowntheirgraciousbond，thoughfedAndnursedontheforgottenbreastandknee？——
Howtotheirfather’schildrentheyshallbeInactandthoughtofonegoodwill；buteachShallfortheotherhave，insilencespeech，Andinawordcompletecommunity？
Evenso，whenfirstIsawyou，seemedit，love，ThatamongsoulsalliedtominewasyetOnenearerkindredthanlifehintedof。
0bornwithmesomewherethatmenforget，Andthoughinyearsofsightandsoundunmet，Knownformysoul’sbirth—partnerwellenough！
ADAYOFLOVE
Thoseenviedplaceswhichdoknowherwell，Andaresoscornfulofthislonelyplace，Evennowforonceareemptiedofhergrace：
Nowherebutheresheis：andwhileLove’sspellFromhispredominantpresencedothcompelAllalienhours，anoutwornpopulace，ThehoursofLovefillfulltheechoingspaceWithsweetconfederatemusicfavourable。
NowmanymemoriesmakesolicitousThedelicatelove—linesofhermouth，till，litWithquiveringfire，thewordstakewingfromit；
AsherebetweenourkisseswesitthusSpeakingofthingsremembered，andsositSpeechlesswhilethingsforgottencalltous。
BEAUTY’SPAGEANT
Whatdawn—pulseattheheartofheaven，orlastIncarnateflowerofculminatingday，——
WhatmarshalledmarvelsontheskirtsofMay，Orsongfull—quired，sweetJune’sencomiast；
Whatgloryofchangebynature’shandamass’dCanviewithallthosemoodsofvaryinggraceWhicho’eroneloveliestwoman’sformandfaceWithinthishour，withinthisroom，havepass’d？
Love’sveryvestureandelectdisguiseWaseachfinemovement，——wondernew—begotOflilyorswanorswan—stemmedgaliot；
Joytohissightwhonowthesadliersighs，Partedagain；andsorrowyetforeyesUnbornthatreadthesewordsandsawhernot。
GENIUSINBEAUTY
Beautylikehersisgenius。NotthecallOfHomer’sorofDante’sheartsublime，——
NotMichael’shandfurrowingthezonesoftime，——
Ismorewithcompassedmysteriesmusical；
Nay，notinSpring’sorSummer’ssweetfootfallMoregatheredgiftsexuberantLifebequeathes*
Thandoththissovereignface，whoselove—spellbreathesEvenfromitsshadowedcontouronthewall。
Asmanymenarepoetsintheiryouth，Butforonesweet—strungsoulthewiresprolongEventhroughallchangetheindomitablesong；
Soinlikewisetheenvenomedyears，whosetoothRendsshallowergracewithruinvoidofruth，Uponthisbeauty’spowershallwreaknowrong。
*[sic]
SILENTNOON
Yourhandslieopeninthelongfreshgrass，——
Thefinger—pointslookthroughtherosyblooms：
Youreyessmilepeace。Thepasturegleamsandglooms’Neathbillowingskiesthatscatterandamass。
Allroundournest，farastheeyecanpass，Aregoldenkingcup—fieldswithsilveredgeWherethecow—parsleyskirtsthehawthorn—hedge。
’Tisvisiblesilence，stillasthehour—glass。
Deepinthesun—searchedgrowthsthedragon—flyHangslikeabluethreadloosenedfromthesky：
Sothiswing’dhourisdropttousfromabove。
Oh！claspwetoourhearts，fordeathlessdower，Thisclose—companionedinarticulatehourWhentwofoldsilencewasthesongoflove。
GRACIOUSMOONLIGHT
Evenasthemoongrowsqueenlierinmid—spaceWhentheskydarkens，andhercloud—raptcarThrillswithintenserradiancefromafar，——
Solambent，lady，beamsthysovereigngraceWhenthedrearsouldesiresthee。OfthatfaceWhatshallbesaid，——which，likeagoverningstar，GathersandgarnersfromallthingsthatareTheirsilentpenetrativeloveliness？
O’erwater—daisiesandwildwaifsofSpring，Therewheretheirisrearsitsgold—crownedsheafWithfloweringrushandsceptredarrow—leaf，SohaveImarkedQueenDian，inbrightringOfcloudaboveandwavebelow，takewingAndchasenight’sgloom，asthouthespirit’sgrief。
LOVE—SWEETNESS
Sweetdimnessofherloosenedhair’sdownfallAboutthyface；hersweethandsroundthyheadIngraciousfosteringuniongarlanded，Hertremuloussmiles，herglances’sweetrecallOflove；hermurmuringsighsmemorial；
Hermouth’sculledsweetnessbythykissesshedOncheeksandneckandeyelids，andsoledBacktohermouthwhichanswersthereforall：——
Whatsweeterthanthesethings，exceptthethingInlackingwhichallthesewouldlosetheirsweet：——
Theconfidentheart’sstillfervour：theswiftbeatAndsoftsubsidenceofthespirit’swing，Thenwhenitfeels，incloud——girtwayfaring，Thebreathofkindredplumesagainstitsfeet？
HEART’SHAVEN
Sometimessheisachildwithinminearms，Coweringbeneathdarkwingsthatlovemustchase，——
Withstilltearsshoweringandavertedface，Inexplicablyfilledwithfaintalarms：
Andoftfrommineownspirit’shurtlingharmsIcravetherefugeofherdeepembrace，——
AgainstallillsthefortifiedstrongplaceAndsweetreserveofsovereigncounter—charms。
AndLove，ourlightatnightandshadeatnoon，Lullsustorestwithsongs，andturnsawayAllshaftsofshelterlesstumultuousday。
Likethemoon’sgrowth，hisfacegleamsthroughhistune；
Andassoftwaterswarbletothemoon，Ouransweringspiritschimeoneroundelay。
LOVE’SBAUBLES
IstoodwhereLoveinbrimmingarmfulsboreSlightwantonflowersandfoolishtoysoffruit：
Androundhimladiesthrongedinwarmpursuit，Fingeredandlippedandprofferedthestrangestore：
AndfromonehandthepetalandthecoreSavouredofsleep；andclusterandcurledshootSeemedfromanotherhandlikeshame’ssalute，——
GiftsthatIfeltmycheekwasblushingfor。
AtlastLovebademyLadygivethesame：
AndasIlooked，thedewwaslightthereon；
AndasItookthem，athertouchtheyshoneWithinmostheaven—hueoftheheartofflame。
AndthenLovesaid：’Lo！whenthehandishers，Folliesoflovearelove’strueministers。’
PRIDEOFYOUTH
Evenasachild，ofsorrowthatwegiveThedead，butlittleinhisheartcanfind，SincewithoutneedofthoughttohisclearmindTheirturnitistodieandhistolive：
EvensothewingedNewLovesmilestoreceiveAlonghiseddyingplumestheauroralwind，Nor，forwardglorying，castsonelookbehindWherenight—rackshroudstheOldLovefugitive。
Thereisachangeineveryhour’srecall，AndthelastcowslipinthefieldsweseeOnthesamedaywiththefirstcorn—poppy。
Alasforhourlychange！AlasforallThelovesthatfromhishandproudYouthletsfall，Evenasthebeadsofatoldrosary！
WINGEDHOURS
EachhouruntilwemeetisasabirdThatwingsfromfarhisgradualwayalongTherustlingcovertofmysoul，——hissongStillloudliertrilledthroughleavesmoredeeplystirr’d：
Butatthehourofmeeting，aclearwordIseverynotehesings，inLove’sowntongue；
Yet，Love，thouknow’stthesweetstrainwrong，Throughourcontendingkissesoftunheard。
Whatofthathouratlast，whenforhersakeNowingmayflytomenorsongmayflow；
When，wanderingroundmylifeunleaved，I
Thebloodiedfeathersscatteredinthebrake，Andthinkhowshe，farfromme，withlikeeyesSeesthroughtheuntunefulboughthewinglessskies？
MID—RAPTURE
Thoulovelyandbeloved，thoumylove；
Whosekissseemsstillthefirst；whosesummoningeyes，Evennow，asforourlove—world’snewsunrise，Shedverydawn；whosevoice，attunedaboveAllmodulationofthedeep—bowereddove，Islikeahandlaidsoftlyonthesoul；
WhosehandislikeasweetvoicetocontrolThoseworntiredbrowsithaththekeepingof：——
Whatwordcananswertothyword，——whatgazeTothine，whichnowabsorbswithinitssphereMyworshippingface，tillIammirroredthereLight—circledinaheavenofdeep—drawnrays？
Whatclasp，whatkissmineinmostheartcanprove，0lovelyandbeloved，0mylove？
HEART’SCOMPASS
Sometimesthouseem’stnotasthyselfalone，Butasthemeaningofallthingsthatare；
Abreathlesswonder，shadowingforthafarSomeheavenlysolsticehushedandhalcyon；
Whoseunstirredlipsaremusic’svisibletone；
Whoseeyesthesun—gateofthesoulunbar，Beingofitsfurthestfiresoracular；——
Theevidentheartofalllifesownandmown。
EvensuchLoveis；andisnotthynameLove？
Yea，bythyhandtheLove—godrendsapartAllgatheringcloudsofNight’sambiguousart；
Flingsthemfardown，andsetsthineeyesabove；
Andsimply，assomegageofflowerorglove，Stakeswithasmiletheworldagainstthyheart。
SOUL—LIGHT
Whatotherwomancouldbelovedlikeyou，Orhowofyoushouldlovepossesshisfill？
Afterthefulnessofallrapture，still，——
AsattheendofsomedeepavenueAtenderglamourofday，——therecomestoviewFarinyoureyesayetmorehungeringthrill，——
SuchfireasLove’ssoul—winnowinghandsdistilEvenfromhisinmostarcoflightanddew。
Andasthetravellertriumphswiththesun，Gloryinginheat’smid—height，yetstartidebringsWondernew—born，andstillfreshtransportspringsFromlimpidlambenthoursofdaybegun；——
Evenso，througheyesandvoice，yoursouldothmoveMysoulwithchangefullightofinfinitelove。
THEMOONSTAR
Lady，Ithanktheeforthyloveliness，Becausemyladyismorelovelystill。
GloryingIgaze，andyieldwithgladgoodwillTotheethytribute；bywhosesweet—spundressOfdelicatelifeLovelabourstoassessMyLady’sabsolutequeendom；saying，’Lo！
Howhighthisbeautyis，whichyetdothshowButasthatbeauty’ssovereignvotaress。’
Lady，Isawtheewithher，sidebyside；
Andas，whennight’sfairfirestheirqueensurround，Anemulousstartoonearthemoonwillride，——
EvensothyrayswithinherluminousboundWeretracednomore；andbythelightsodrown’d，Lady，notthoubutshewasglorified。
LASTFIRE
Love，throughyourspiritandminewhatsummereveNowglowswithgloryofallthingspossess’d，Sincethisday’ssunofrapturefilledthewestAndthelightsweetenedasthefiretookleave？
Awhilenowsoftlierletyourbosomheave，AsinLove’sharbour，eventhatlovingbreast，Allcaretakesrefugewhilewesinktorest，Andmutualdreamsthebygoneblissretrieve。
ManythedaysthatWinterkeepsinstore，Sunlessthroughout，orwhosebriefsun—glimpsesScarceshedtheheapedsnowthroughthenakedtrees。
ThisdayatleastwasSummer’sparamour，Sun—colouredtotheimperishablecoreWithsweetwell—beingofloveandfullheart’sease。
HERGIFTS
Highgrace，thedowerofqueens；andtherewithalSomewood—bornwonder’ssweetsimplicity；
AglancelikewaterbrimmingwiththeskyOrhyacinth—lightwhereforest—shadowsfall；
SuchthrillingpallorofcheekasdothenthralTheheart；amouthwhosepassionateformsimplyAllmusicandallsilenceheldthereby；
Deepgoldenlocks，hersovereigncoronal；
Aroundrearedneck，meetcolumnofLove’sshrineToclingtowhenthehearttakessanctuary；
HandswhichforeveratLove’sbiddingbe，Andsoft—stirredfeetstillansweringtohissign：——
Thesearehergifts，astonguemaytellthemo’er。
Breathelowhername，mysoul；forthatmeansmore。
EQUALTROTH
Notbyonemeasuremaystthoumeteourlove；
ForhowshouldIbelovedasIlovethee？——
I，graceless，joyless，lackingabsolutelyAllgiftsthatwiththyqueenshipbestbehove；——
Thou，thronedineveryheart’selectalcove，Andcrownedwithgarlandsculledfromeverytree，Whichfornoheadbutthine，byLove’sdecree，Allbeautiesandallmysteriesinterwove。
Butherethineeyesandlipsyieldsoftrebuke：——
’Thenonly，’（say’stthou），’couldIlovetheeless，Whenthoucouldstdoubtmylove’sequality。’
Peace，sweet！Ifnottosumbutworthwelook，Thyheart’stranscendence，notmyheart’sexcess，Thenmoreathousandfoldthoulov’stthanI。
VENUSVICTRIX
CouldJuno’sselfmoresovereignpresencewearThanthou，’midotherladiesthronedingrace？——
OrPallas，whenthoubend’stwithsoul—stilledfaceO’erpoet’spagegold—shadowedinthyhair？
DostthouthanVenusseemlessheavenlyfairWheno’ertheseaoflove’stumultuoustranceHoversthysmile，andmingleswiththyglanceThatsweetvoicelikethelastwavemurmuringthere？
BeforesuchtriunelovelinessdivineAwestruckIask，whichgoddessheremostclaimsTheprizethat，howsoe’eradjudged，isthine？
ThenLovebreatheslowthesweetestofthynames；
AndVenusVictrixtomyheartdothbringHerself，theHelenofherguerdoning。
THEDARKGLASS
NotImyselfknowallmyloveforthee：
HowshouldIreachsofar，whocannotweighTo—morrow’sdowerbygageofyesterday？
Shallbirthanddeath，andalldarknamesthatbeAsdoorsandwindowsbaredtosomeloudsea，Lashdeafmineearsandblindmyfacewithspray；
Andshallmysensepiercelove，——thelastrelayAndultimateoutpostofeternity？
Lo！whatamItoLove，thelordofall？
Onemurmuringshellhegathersfromthesand，——
Onelittleheart—flameshelteredinhishand。
YetthroughthineeyeshegrantsmeclearestcallAndveriesttouchofpowersprimordialThatanyhour—girtlifemayunderstand。
THELAMP’SSHRINE
SometimesIfainwouldfindintheesomefault，ThatImightlovetheestillinspiteofit：
YethowshouldourLordLovecurtailonewhitThyperfectpraisewhommosthewouldexalt？
Alas！hecanbutmakemyheart’slowvaultEveninmen’ssightunworthier，beinglitBythee，whotherebyshow’stmoreexquisiteLikefierychrysopraseindeepbasalt。
YetwillInowiseshrink；butatLove’sshrineMyselfwithinthebeamshisbrowdothdartWillsettheflashingjewelofthyheartInthatdullchamberwhereitdeignstoshine：
Forlo！inhonourofthineexcellenciesMyhearttakespridetoshowhowpooritis。
LIFE—IN—LOVE
NotinthybodyisthylifeatallButinthislady’slipsandhandsandeyes；
ThroughthesesheyieldsthelifethatvivifiesWhatelseweresorrow’sservantanddeath’sthrall。
Lookonthyselfwithouther，andrecallThewasteremembranceandforlornsurmiseThatlivedbutinadead—drawnbreathofsighsO’ervanishedhoursandhourseventual。
EvensomuchlifehaththepoortressofhairWhich，storedapart，isalllovehathtoshowForheart—beatsandforfire—heatslongago；
Evensomuchlifeenduresunknown，evenwhere，’Midchangethechangelessnightenvironeth，Liesallthatgoldenhairundimmedindeath。
THELOVE—MOON
’Whenthatdeadface，boweredinthefurthestyears，Whichoncewasallthelifeyearsheldforthee，CannowscarcebidethetidesofmemoryCastonthysoulalittlesprayoftears，——
HowcanstthougazeintotheseeyesofhersWhomnowthyheartdelightsin，andnotseeWithineachorbLove’sphiltredeuphrasyMakethemofburiedtrothremembrancers？’
’Nay，pitifulLove，nay，lovingPity！WellThouknowestthatinthesetwainIhaveconfess’dTwoveryvoicesofthysummoningbell。
Nay，Master，shallnotDeathmakemanifestInthesetheculminantchangeswhichapproveThelove—moonthatmustlightmysoultoLove？’
THEMORROW’SMESSAGE
’ThouGhost，’Isaid，’andisthynameTo—day？——
Yesterday’sson，withsuchanabjectbrow！——
AndcanTo—morrowbemorepalethanthou？’
WhileyetIspoke，thesilenceanswered：’Yea，Henceforthourissueisallgrievedandgrey，AndeachbeforehandmakessuchpooravowAsofoldleavesbeneaththebuddingboughOrnight—driftthatthesundawnshredsaway。’
ThencriedI：’Motherofmanymalisons，0Earth，receivemetothydustybed！’
Buttherewithalthetremuloussilencesaid：
’Lo！Loveyetbidsthyladygreettheeonce：——
Yea，twice，—wherebythylifeisstillthesun’s；
Andthrice，——wherebytheshadowofdeathisdead。’
SLEEPLESSDREAMS
Girtindarkgrowths，yetglimmeringwithonestar，0nightdesirousasthenightsofyouth！
Whyshouldmyheartwithinthyspell，forsooth，Nowbeat，asthebride’sfinger—pulsesareQuickenedwithinthegirdlinggoldenbar？
Whatwingsarethesethatfanmypillowsmooth？
AndwhydoesSleep，wavedbackbyJoyandRuth，Treadsoftlyroundandgazeatmefromfar？
Nay，nightdeep—leaved！AndwouldLovefeignintheeSomeshadowypalpitatinggrovethatbearsRestforman’seyesandmusicforhisears？
0lonelynight！artthounotknowntome，AthickethungwithmasksofmockeryAndwateredwiththewastefulwarmthoftears？
SEVEREDSELVES
Twoseparatedividedsilences，Which，broughttogether，wouldfindlovingvoice；
TwoglanceswhichtogetherwouldrejoiceInlove，nowlostlikestarsbeyonddarktrees；
Twohandsapartwhosetouchalonegivesease；
Twobosomswhich，heart—shrinedwithmutualflame，Would，meetinginoneclasp，bemadethesame；
Twosouls，theshoreswave—mockedofsunderingseas：——
Sucharewenow。Ah！mayourhopeforecastIndeedonehouragain，whenonthisstreamOfdarkenedloveoncemorethelightshallgleam？
Anhourhowslowtocome，howquicklypast，Whichbloomsandfades，andonlyleavesatlast，Faintasshedflowers，theattenuateddream。
THROUGHDEATHTOLOVE
Likelabour—ladenmooncloudsfainttofleeFromwindsthatsweepthewinter—bittenwold，——
LikemultiformcircumfluencemanifoldOfnight’sflood—tide，——liketerrorsthatagreeOfhoarse—tonguedfireandinarticulatesea，——
Evensuch，withinsomeglassdimmedbyourbreath，OurheartsdiscernwildimagesofDeath，Shadowsandshoalsthatedgeeternity。
HowbeitathwartDeath’simminentshadedothsoarOnePower，thanflowofstreamorflightofdoveSweetertoglidearound，tobroodabove。
Tellme，myheart；——whatangel—greeteddoorOrthresholdofwing—winnowedthreshing—floorHathguestfire—fledgedasthine，whoselordisLove？
HOPEOVERTAKEN
Ideemedthygarments，0myHope，weregrey，SofarIviewedthee。NowthespacebetweenIspassedatlength；andgarmentedingreenEvenasindaysofyorethoustand’stto—day。
AhGod！andbutforlingeringdulldismay，OnallthatroadourfootstepsersthadbeenEventhuscommingled，andourshadowsseenBlentonthehedgerowsandthewater—way。
0Hopeofminewhoseeyesarelivinglove，Noeyesbuthers，——0LoveandHopethesame！——
Leanclosetome，fornowthesinkingsunThatwarmedourfeetscarcegildsourhairabove。
0hersthyvoiceandveryhersthyname！
Alas，clingroundme，forthedayisdone！
LOVEANDHOPE
Blessloveandhope。FullmanyawitheredyearWhirledpastus，eddyingtoitschilldoomsday；
Andclaspedtogetherwheretheblownleaveslay，Welonghavekneltandweptfullmanyatear。
Yetlo！onehouratlast，theSpring’scompeer，Flutessoftlytousfromsomegreenbyeway：*
Thoseyears，thosetearsaredead，butonlythey：——
Blessloveandhope，truesoul；forwearehere。
Clinghearttoheart；norofthishourdemandWhetherinverytruth，whenwearedead，OurheartsshallwaketoknowLove’sgoldenheadSolesunshineoftheimperishableland；
Orbutdiscern，throughnight’sunfeaturedscope，Scorn—firedatlengththeillusiveeyesofHope。
*[sic]
CLOUDANDWIND
Love，shouldIfeardeathmostforyouorme？
Yetifyoudie，canInotfollowyou，Forcingthestraitsofchange？Alas！butwhoShallwrestabondfromnight’sinveteracy，Ereyetmyhazardoussoulputforth，tobeHerwarrantagainstallherhastemightrue？——
Ah！inyoureyessoreachedwhatdumbadieu，Whatunsunnedgyresofwasteeternity？
AndifIdiethefirst，shalldeathbethenAlamplesswatchtowerwhenceIseeyouweep？——
Or（woeisme！）abedwhereinmysleepNe’ernotes（asdeathsdearcupatlastyoudrain），ThehourwhenyoutoolearnthatallisvainAndthatHopesowswhatLoveshallneverreap？
SECRETPARTING
Becauseourtalkwasofthecloud—controlAndmoon—trackofthejourneyingfaceofFate，Hertremulouskissesfalteredatlove’sgateAndhereyesdreamedagainstadistantgoal：
Butsoon，rememberingherhowbriefthewholeOfjoy，whichitsownhoursannihilate，Hersetgazegathered，thirstierthanoflate，Andasshekissed，hermouthbecamehersoul。
Thenceinwhatwayswewandered，andhowstroveTobuildwithfire—triedvowsthepiteoushomeWhichmemoryhauntsandwhithersleepmayroam，——
TheyonlyknowforwhomtheroofofLoveIsthestill—seatedsecretofthegrove，Norspiremayrisenorbellbeheardtherefrom。
PARTEDLOVE
WhatshallbesaidofthisembattleddayAndarmedoccupationofthisnightByallthyfoesbeleaguered，——nowwhensightNorsounddenotesthelovedonefaraway？
Ofthesethyvanquishedhourswhatshaltthousay，——
AseverysensetowhichshedealtdelightNowlabourslonelyo’erthestarknoon—heightToreachthesunset’sdesolatedisarray？
Standstill，fondfetteredwretch！whileMemory’sartParadesthePastbeforethyface，andluresThyspirittoherpassionateportraitures：
Tillthetempestuoustide—gatesflungapartFloodwithwildwillthehollowsofthyheart，Andthyheartrendsthee，andthybodyendures。
BROKENMUSIC
Themotherwillnotturn，whothinksshehearsHernursling’sspeechfirstgrowarticulate；
ButbreathlesswithavertedeyeselateShesits，withopenlipsandopenears，Thatitmaycallhertwice。’MiddoubtsandfearsThusoftmysoulhashearkened；tillthesong，Acentralmoanfordays，atlengthfoundtongue，Andthesweetmusicwelledandthesweettears。
Butnow，whateverwhilethesoulisfainTolistthatwontedmurmur，asitwereThespeech—boundsea—shell’slowimportunatestrain，——
Nobreathofsong，thyvoicealoneisthere，0bitterlybeloved！andallhergainIsbutthepangofunpermittedprayer。
DEATH—IN—LOVE
TherecameanimageinLife’sretinueThathadLove’swingsandborehisgonfalon：
Fairwastheweb，andnoblywroughtthereon，0soul—sequesteredface，thyformandhue！
Bewilderingsounds，suchasSpringwakensto，Shookinitsfolds；andthroughmyheartitspowerSpedtracklessastheimmemorablehourWhenbirth’sdarkportalgroanedandallwasnew。
Butaveiledwomanfollowed，andshecaughtThebannerrounditsstaff，tofurlandcling，——
Thenpluckedafeatherfromthebearer’swing，Andheldittohislipsthatstirreditnot，Andsaidtome，’Behold，thereisnobreath：
IandthisLoveareone，andIamDeath。’
WILLOWWOOD
I
IsatwithLoveuponawoodsidewell，Leaningacrossthewater，Iandhe；
Noreverdidhespeaknorlookedatme，ButtouchedhislutewhereinwasaudibleThecertainsecretthinghehadtotell：
OnlyourmirroredeyesmetsilentlyInthelowwave；andthatsoundcametobeThepassionatevoiceIknew；andmytearsfell。
Andattheirfall，hiseyesbeneathgrewhers；
Andwithhisfootandwithhiswing—feathersHesweptthespringthatwateredmyheart’sdrouth。
Thenthedarkripplesspreadtowavinghair，AndasIstooped，herownlipsrisingthereBubbledwithbrimmingkissesatmymouth。
II
AndnowLovesang：buthiswassuchasong，Someshedwithhalf—remembrancehardtofree，Assoulsdisusedindeath’ssterilityMaysingwhenthenewbirthdaytarrieslong。
AndIwasmadeawareofadumbthrongThatstoodaloof，oneformbyeverytree，Allmournfulforms，foreachwasIorshe，Theshadesofthoseourdaysthathadnotongue。
Theylookedonus，andknewusandwereknown；
Whilefasttogether，alivefromtheabyss，Clungthesoul—wrungimplacableclosekiss；
AndpityofselfthroughallmadebrokenmoanWhichsaid，’Foronce，foronce，foroncealone！’
AndstillLovesang，andwhathesangwasthis：——
III
’Oye，allyethatwalkinWillow—wood，Thatwalkwithhollowfacesburningwhite；
Whatfathom—depthofsoul—struckwidowhood，Whatlong，whatlongerhours，onelifelongnight，Ereyeagain，whosoinvainhavewooedYourlasthopelost，whosoinvaininviteYourlipstothattheirunforgottenfood，Ereye，ereyeagainshallseethelight！
Alas！thebitterbanksinWillowwood，Withtear—spurgewan，withblood—wortburningred：
Alas！ifeversuchapillowcouldSteepdeepthesoulinsleeptillsheweredead，——
Betteralllifeforgetherthanthisthing，ThatWillowwoodshouldholdherwandering！’
IV
Sosanghe：andasmeetingroseandroseTogetherclingthroughthewind’swellawayNorchangeatonce，yetneartheendofdayTheleavesdroploosenedwheretheheart—stainglows，——
Sowhenthesongdieddidthekissunclose；
Andherfacefellbackdrowned，andwasasgreyAsitsgreyeyes；andifitevermayMeetmineagainIknownotifLoveknows。
0nlyIknowthatIleanedlowanddrankAlongdraughtfromthewaterwhereshesank，Herbreathandallhertearsandallhersoul：
AndasIleaned，IknowIfeltLove’sfacePressedonmyneckwithmoanofpityandgrace，Tillbothourheadswereinhisaureole。
WITHOUTHER
Whatofherglasswithouther？TheblankgreyTherewherethepoolisblindofthemoon’sface。
Herdresswithouther？ThetossedemptyspaceOfcloud—rackwhencethemoonhaspassedaway。