Classic Poem

How should I sing you ? — you who dwell unseen
Within the darkest chamber of my heart.
What picturesque and inward-turning art

Could shadow forth the image of my queen.

Sweet, world aloof, ineffably serene
Like holy dawn, yet so entirely part
Of what am I, as well a man might start

To paint his breathing, or his red blood's sheen.

Nay, seek yourself, who are their truest breath,
In these my songs made for delight of men.

Oh, where they fail, 'tis I that am in blame.
But, where the words loom larger than my pen.
Be sure they ring glad echoes of your name,
And Love that triumphs over Life and Death.