WHOSO hath anguish is not dead in sin, Whoso hath pangs of utterless desire. Like as in smouldering flax which harbours fire, -- Red heat of conflagration may begin, Melt that hard heart, burn out the dross within, Permeate with glory the new man entire, Crown him with fire, mould for his hands a lyre Of fiery strings to sound with those who win. Anguish is anguish, yet potential bliss, Pangs of desire are birth-throes of delight; Those citizens felt such who walk in white, And meet, but no more sunder, with a kiss; Who fathom still-unfathomed mysteries, And love, adore, rejoice, with all their might. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SAND FLESH AND SKY by CLARENCE MAJOR JANGLING MEMORY by KATHERINE MANSFIELD BENEDICTION by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON THE CRESCENT MOON by AMY LOWELL SONG BY THE WINDOW BEFORE BED by KATHERINE MANSFIELD |