Classic Poem

She clasped her earthly treasure to her breast,
Although immortal voices bade her rise,
Though wings immortal bore her to the skies,
And hands immortal tenderly caressed
Her weary brow: and all in sweet unrest
Her soul within her glowed with subtle fire,
Immortal longings, infinite desire;
And still she clasped her treasure to her breast.

And when she stood before the Presence there,
Head bowed, lips silent — there was One that cried,
" Who comes among us fraught with earthly care?
Who enterShere unpurged, unsanctified?"
And One made answer: " Keep what God has given,
You bring again from earth what came from heaven."