A PRAYER FOR LIGHT.
Reading edition
I.
Oh, give me light, to-day, or let me die,— The light of love, the love-light of the sky,— That I, at length, may see my darling's face One minute's space.
II.
Have I not wept to know myself so weak That I can feel, not see, the dimpled cheek, The lips, the eyes, the sunbeams that enfold Her locks of gold?
III.
Have I not sworn that I will not be wed, But mate my soul with hers on my death-bed? The soul can see,—for souls are seraphim,— When eyes are dim.
IV.
Oh, hush! she comes. I know her. She is nigh. She brings me death, true heart, and I will die. She brings me love, for love and life are one Beyond the sun.
V.
This is the measure, this, of all my joys: Life is a curse and Death's a counterpoise. Give me thy hand, O sweet one, let me know Which path I go.
VI.
I cannot die if thou be not a-near, To lead me on to Life's appointed sphere. O spirit-face, O angel, with thy breath Kiss me to death!