Classic Poem

1

Oh! what a pain is here! All through the night
I yearned for power, and nursed rebellious scorn,
Striving against high heaven in hot despite
Of feeble nerves and will by passion torn.
I dreamed; and on the curtain of the gloom
False memory drew an idyll of old hope,
Singing a lullaby to mock my doom
With love far off and joy beyond my scope.
I woke; the present seemed more sad than hell;
On daily tasks my sullen soul I cast;
But, as I worked, a deeper sorrow fell
Like thunder on my spirit, for he passed
Before the house with wondering wide blue eye
That said " I wait: why will you not reply? "

2

My heart was hot and answered " What might be!
Love, peace, content, the brotherhood of strength;
He offers it of all convention free:
Wilt thou not take and eat and rest at length?
His brow is framed of beauty, and his soul
Sits throned within his eyelids orbed in light;
And from his parted lips harmonious roll
Full floods of music, rivers of delight! "
Oh, heart! false heart! why tear'st thou me again?
" To touch, to handle, stretching forth thy palm;
To sleep forgetful of sharp self-disdain:
It were so easy, and so sweet the calm! "
Calm as the dead salt sea; easy as sin;
Sweet as love-apples hiding dust within.