MASTER AND MISTRESS

AS if I were composed of dust and air, The shape confronting me upon the stair (Athlete of shadow, lighted by a stain On its disjunctive breast—I saw it plain—) Moved through my middle flesh. I turned around, Shaken, and it was marching without sound Beyond the door; and when my hand was taken From my mouth to beat the standing heart, I cried My distant name, thinking myself had died. One moment I was entered; one moment then I knew a bounded century of pain Between the twinkling of two thoughts. The ghost Knocked on my ribs, demanding, “Host! Host! I am diseased with motion. Give me bread Before I quickly go. Shall I be fed?” Straightly I yielded up: “Partake of me. Whatever runneth from the artery, This body and its unfamiliar wine, Stored in whatever dark of love, are thine.” But he denied me, saying, “Every part Of thee is given, yea, thy flesh, thy heart.”