Classic Poem

Behind it all — the anger and the flame
That leapt upon thee — there is, couldst thou see,
The loving inner changeless soul of me,
Unshaken, — clear for ever in its aim.
I love thee, — and so I hate eternally
Each smallness foreign to thy nature true:
Just as I welcome every blossom new
Of thought or heart; each growth of being's tree.

Behind it all, — O thou whom I adore
Enough to " crucify " — as thou didst say, —
There is the love that changes never more;
The soul of yearning thou canst never slay: —
Strength that would help thee; prayer that intercedes;
Sweet love that tarries patient: love that bleeds.