As mute against the gate of life you sit, Longing to open it, Full oft you must behold, in thought, a maid With banner white, whose lilies do not fade, And armor glory lit. Across the years, darkling, you still must see, In the hush of memory, Her whom no wrong of Fate could make afraid -- Of all the maidens of the world, @3The Maid@1! -- In her brave purity. For she, like you, was singly set apart, O high and lonely heart! -- And harkened Voices, silent save to her, And looked on Visions she might not transfer By my loving art, -- Knew the dread chill of isolation, when Life darkened to her ken; Yet could not know, as round her closed the night, How radiant and far would shine her light, -- A miracle to men! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE LAMP OF LIFE by AMY LOWELL YOU ARE FIRE EATERS by MARIANNE MOORE THE RIDE-BY-NIGHTS by WALTER JOHN DE LA MARE A PRAYER FOR INDIFFERENCE by FRANCES (FANNY) MACARTNEY GREVILLE TO MR. GAY, WHO WROTE HIM A CONGRATULATORY LETTER ON FINISHING HOUSE by ALEXANDER POPE ASTROPHEL AND STELLA: 32 by PHILIP SIDNEY |