Classic Poem

ON LEAVING LAURA

I look behind me, every step retrace,
And scarce the burden of my body bear,
And then take comfort from your local air
Which gives me breath to move and moan " Alas! "
Then thinking on the loss of my heart's grace,
The long, long journey, life a shortening stair,
I fix my feet in fear and white despair
And to the earth my streaming eyes abase.
And through my tears a doubt stirs, questioning:
" How ever can these limbs, consumed by grief,
Survive their absence from their spirit's spring? "
Then answers holy Love, and answers brief:
" This is the privilege my perils bring
To lovers who in pure flame find relief. "