Part 21 (2/2)

But oh, that Name, that other Name, More secret and more mine!

It burns as does the angelic flame Before the midmost shrine.

Before my soul to earth was brought Into G.o.d's heart it came, He wrote a meaning in my thought And gave to me a Name.

By this Name do I ride the air And dance from star to star, And I behold all things are fair, For I see them as they are.

I plunge into the deepest seas, In flames I, laughing, burn.

In roseate clouds I take my ease Nor to the earth return.

It is my beauteous Name -- my own -- That I have never heard.

G.o.d keeps it for Himself alone, That strange and lovely word.

G.o.d keeps it for Himself -- but yet You are His voice, and so In your heart He is calling me, And unto you I go.

Love, by this Name I sing, and breathe A fresh, mysterious air.

By this I innocently wreathe New garlands for my hair.

By this Name I am born anew More beautiful, more bright.

More roseate than angelic dew, Apparelled in delight.

I'll sing and st.i.tch and make the bread In the wonder of my Name, And sun the linen for the bed And tend the fireside flame.

By this Name do I answer yes -- Word beautiful and true.

By this I'll sew the bridal dress I shall put on for you.

Songs of an Empty House. [Marguerite Wilkinson]

Vista

Before I die I may be great, The chanting guest of kings, A queen in wonderlands of song Where every blossom sings.

I may put on a golden gown And walk in sunny light, Carrying in my hair the day, And in my eyes the night.

It may be men will honor me -- The wistful ones and wise, Who know the ruth of victory, The joy of sacrifice.

I may be rich, I may be gay, But all the crowns grow old -- The laurel withers and the bay And dully rusts the gold.

Before I die I may break bread With many queens and kings -- Oh, take the golden gown away, For there are other things -- And I shall miss the love of babes With flesh of rose and pearl, The dewy eyes, the budded lips -- A boy, a little girl.

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