Oft have I sung how ocean woos the stars, And how the love-pale moonbeams woo the sea, But never have I dared to break the bars That hide my soul's dim sanctuary from me. As there is light the utmost stars beyond, And unexpressive gems make glad the deep, So 'neath thine eyelids violet-clouded sleep, A secret dwells that all my harpings fond Are weak to celebrate and dumb to praise. It is not joy, for joy my heart knows well, Nor purity, for thy whole self art pure; It is not worship, for thy youthful days In easy utterance their reverence tell -- Can it be love? ah, God! if I were sure! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...PORTRAIT OF A BABY by STEPHEN VINCENT BENET WESTERN CIVILIZATION by JAMES GALVIN WHAT I'VE BELIEVED IN by JAMES GALVIN AQUATINT FRAMED IN GOLD by AMY LOWELL HONEY DRIPPER by CLARENCE MAJOR NORTH WIND TO DUTIFUL BEAST MIDWAY BETWEEN DIAL & FOOT OF GARDEN CLOCK by MARIANNE MOORE |