Wind-Litany

In this world I shall not find Any Comforter like Wind, Any friend to so endure, Any love so strong, so sure. I was born when Wind with Star Linked its magic, and from far Whispered out my destiny⁠— And the Winds have brothered me. Strong young hill-winds roistering Up the steep with me and Spring, Wild wet thrilling ocean-gales Flinging out my swelling sails, Or the little dawning-airs Rising pure as baby-prayers⁠— These have loved me since my birth On the wind-swept swinging earth. Rose-perfumed night-air that slips Like a kiss across my lips, Smoke-tanged wood-breath—they can sweep All old childhood from its sleep Underneath thick-fallen days Heaped and dun across my ways; For until the end shall be, Scent o’ wind is Memory. I remember when befell Heartbreak fierce, intolerable, And no voice or touch but bound Deeper torment on the wound: Yet a little wind could rise Stroking cheek and tear-wet eyes, Breathing, “Hush! All pain shall pass! Still are winds, and skies, and grass!” God, when all of earth shall lie Stripped and new beneath Thine eye, And Thy gold stars fall unstrung, And Thy curtain-sky down-flung, And Thy seas are lifted up Whole from out their empty cup, Grant me still, in Heaven’s place Sweet swift winds across my face!