Part 25 (1/2)

I will mend the sleeve of that coat, All ragged, -- and make her the hood Furry, and white, for the snow.

She shall tumble and laugh . . .

Oh, I think Though a thousand rivers of grief Flood over my head, -- though a hill Of horror lie on my breast, -- Something will sing, ”Be glad!

You have had all your heart's desire: The unknown things that you asked When you lay awake in the nights, Alone, and searching the dark For the secret wonder of life.

You have had them (can you forget?): The ancient beautiful things!” . . .

How long he is gone. And yet It is only an hour or two. . . .

Oh, I am so happy. My eyes Are troubled with tears.

Did you know, O G.o.d, they would be like this, Your ancient beautiful things?

~Are there more? Are there more, -- out there? -- O G.o.d, are there always more?~

Mater Dolorosa. [Louis V. Ledoux]

O clinging hands, and eyes where sleep has set Her seal of peace, go not from me so soon.

O little feet, take not the pathway yet, The dust of other feet with tears is wet, And sorrow wanders there with slow regret; O eager feet, take not the path so soon.

Take it not yet, for death is at the end, And kingly death will wait until you come.

Full soon the feet of youth will turn the bend, The eyes will see where followed footsteps wend.

Go not so soon, though death be found a friend; For kingly death will wait until you come.

Prevision. [Aline Kilmer]

I know you are too dear to stay; You are so exquisitely sweet: My lonely house will thrill some day To echoes of your eager feet.

I hold your words within my heart, So few, so infinitely dear; Watching your fluttering hands I start At the corroding touch of fear.

A faint, unearthly music rings From you to Heaven -- it is not far!

A mist about your beauty clings Like a thin cloud before a star.

My heart shall keep the child I knew, When you are really gone from me, And spend its life remembering you As sh.e.l.ls remember the lost sea.

”A Wind Rose in the Night”. [Aline Kilmer]

A wind rose in the night, (She had always feared it so!) Sorrow plucked at my heart And I could not help but go.

Softly I went and stood By her door at the end of the hall.