Classic Poem

WHEREIN HIS ONE WISH IS TO JOIN HER IN PARADISE

Alas! that time is fled, that time is ended
Which poured sweet pity on Love's fiercest fever!
And fled she whom I weep and sing forever —
Though not the tears, the lute left unbefriended!
That face angelical is far ascended,
But, soaring, pierced my heart — My heart? Ah, never! —
With such a light as from the flesh to sever
And split and seek her by her dreams attended.
Half shares her earth, half to her heaven is risen,
Where now she stands triumphant, crowned with showers
Of chastest laurel, crowned with perfect powers:
Ah, could I rend this flesh, break through this prison
Of tears that wither, hopes that writhe and wizen,
To walk her meadows bright with burning flowers!