Classic Poem

When I come back from secret dreams
In gardens deep and fair,
How very curious it seems —
This mortal name I bear.

By this quaint name I make their bread
And trim the household light,
And sun the linen for the bed
And lock the door at night.

I wonder who Myself may be
And whence it was I came,
Before the Church had laid on me
This frail and earthly name.

My Sponsors spoke unto the Lord
And three things promised they —
Upon my soul with one accord
Their easy vows did lay.

My ancient Spirit heard them not.
I think it was not there.
But in a place I had forgot
It drank a starrier air.

Yes, in a silent place and deep
There did it dance and run,
And sometimes it lay down to sleep
Or sprang into the sun.

The priest saw not my aureole shine,
My sweet wings saw not he.
He graved me with a solemn sign
And laid a name on me.

By this name do I stitch and mend,
The Daughter of my Home.
By this name do I save and spend
And when they call I come.

But oh, that Name — that other Name —
More secret and more mine!
It burns as does the midmost flame
Before the midmost shrine.

Before my soul to earth was brought
Into God's heart it came.
God wrote a meaning in my thought
And gave to me a Name.

By this Name do I ride the air,
And dance from star to star,
And I behold all things are fair
For I see them as they are.

I plunge into the deepest seas,
In flames I laughing burn.
In roseate clouds I take my ease
Nor to the earth return.

It is my beauteous Name, my own,
That I have never heard.
God keeps it for Himself alone —
That strange and lovely word.

God keeps it for Himself — but yet
He speaks through you — and so
By that Name you are calling me
And unto you I go.

By this Name do I sing and breathe
A fresh mysterious air.
By this I innocently wreathe
New garlands for my hair.

By this Name do I answer " Yes" —
Word beautiful and true.
By this I sew the bridal dress
I shall put on for You.