CAN it be, O star transcendent, That I fold thee to my breast? Now I know what depths of anguish May in parting be expressed. Yes, 'tis thou, of all my blisses Lovely, loving partner—thou! Mindful of my bygone sorrows, E'en the present awes me now. When the world in first conception Lay in God's eternal mind, In creative power delighting He the primal hour designed. When he gave command for being, Then was heard a mighty sigh Full of pain, as all creation Broke into reality. Up then sprang the light; and darkness Doubtful stood apart to gaze; All the elements, dividing Swiftly, took their several ways. In confused, disordered dreaming Strove they all for freedom's range— Each for self, no fellow-feeling; Single each, and cold and strange. Lo, a marvel—God was lonely! All was still and cold and dumb. So he framed dawn's rosy blushes Whence should consolation come— To refresh the troubled spirit Harmonies of color sweet: What had erst been forced asunder Now at last could love and meet. Then, ah then, of life unbounded Sight and feeling passed the gates; Then, ah then, with eager striving Kindred atoms sought their mates. Gently, roughly they may seize them, So they catch and hold them fast: "We," they cry, "are now creators— Allah now may rest at last!" So with rosy wings of morning Towards thy lips my being moves; Sets the starry night a thousand Glowing seals upon our loves. We are as we should be—parted Ne'er on earth in joy or pain; And no second word creative E'er can sunder us again! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...GOD'S GARDEN by RICHARD EUGENE BURTON THE GLOVE AND THE LIONS by JAMES HENRY LEIGH HUNT THE RUBAIYAT, 1879 EDITION: 16 by OMAR KHAYYAM PORTRAIT D'UNE FEMME by EZRA POUND A LULLABY by LAWRENCE ALMA-TADEMA |