A Hymn for A Hymn, 1816
(Mary seated on a boulder;
a small sealed box in her arms)
Break out the laughter
for thoughts on Permanence.
The body’s wish to conquer,
overturn,
easily erase,
that final & trusted appearance,
the One
our shrunken circle saw as us:
as uncommonly solid:
as loyalty’s proof–
the Mind opposes its own beauty!
Seal up the rupture
& cracks lengthening in Love.
The eyes’ curse to recede,
surrender,
kindly kindle
that unseen & awful shadow,
the Mystery
our current gloom
dissolves in us:
in July’s desertions:
in ecstasy’s clasp–
the heart firms its own form!
Loveliness,
full of awe,
brings no words;
we end,
me, known by the needs of air,
and him,
the sea’s bright child,
free of vows.
Humankind,
what a strange spell!
