XII
O God, because Thou didst not lock the door,
But only drew it close before mine eyes,
And my soul, burning after Thee, look'd in,
Because I saw a flaming seraph's wing,
Thou hast shut me in a cloud of whirling stars
That I may see neither heaven nor earth between;
And as the flames grow pale and bright again
My brain is dizzy with their tossing lights.
O God, I faint, and cannot stand, nor dare
To fall against the starry sparks that burn
My earthly body. Let my feet find hold
Upon the path spread out before them here;
Let them feel all the comfort of the dew
And wing my spirit with unquenchable flame.
But only drew it close before mine eyes,
And my soul, burning after Thee, look'd in,
Because I saw a flaming seraph's wing,
Thou hast shut me in a cloud of whirling stars
That I may see neither heaven nor earth between;
And as the flames grow pale and bright again
My brain is dizzy with their tossing lights.
O God, I faint, and cannot stand, nor dare
To fall against the starry sparks that burn
My earthly body. Let my feet find hold
Upon the path spread out before them here;
Let them feel all the comfort of the dew
And wing my spirit with unquenchable flame.
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