Classic Poem

How can you ever, ever, understand?
How can I tell you what you are to me?—
More than the snow-white sea-bird to the sea!
More than the sweetest white rose to the land!
I see you,—gaze upon you,—touch your hand;
Yet what is that to love's infinity?
What is the little ocean-space we see
To ocean-wastes by rainbow-arches spanned?

How can I tell you anything at all?
You with the great brown gentle birdlike eyes!
Why should you answer at a lover's call,—
You whose true lovers are the stars and skies?
What can I do, O loved one, for your sake
Save only just to let my whole heart break?