SANCTISSIMUM by HALA JEAN HAMMOND

Now—as the two of us made one,
And quiet holding like a satin flower
Holds fragrance—with the whole day spun
Into warm texture of one breathful hour;

Now—when the two of us may fret
With ecstasy a slow, caressing light,
And star-dust weave a coverlet
Hiding too eager fire from mortal sight;

Singing with wordlessness of flame,
Soul set to music, haggling flesh is not;
To quick, high mounting, unshamed shame
Feeds at the plenty, of its need begot:

So on wind-lips, of still heights learned,
Shouting, though muted to a rhythmic beat—
Of fire and water to a red flower burned,
This sacristy ... where life and lovers meet.

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