Classic Poem

Body of mine! That once was fair —
Soft, smooth, and fair —
Glad was my soul in its garment fine,
Glad of the crown of shining hair
Color of roses, eyes of the sea —
Glad and proud was my soul of thee,
Body of mine!

Body of mine! That once was young,
Slim, swift, and young
Glad was my heart with youth's rich wine,
Spring in the footstep — song on the tongue,
Joylight and lovelight shining on me —
Glad and gay was my heart in thee,
Body of mine!

Body of mine that now grows old —
Thin, dry, and old —
Flowers may wither and pets may pine,
Fire of passion grow palely cold —
But the living world is the frame of me —
Heart and soul are not found in thee —
Body of mine!

The world, the sky, and the work of our hands,
Wonderful work of our hands!
Clothe my soul in a form divine
Young forever to all demands
Ageless and deathless and boundless and free
Glory and joy do I find in thee,
Body of mine!