Personality
(a sestina)
As one who goes between high garden walls,
Along a road that never has an end.
With still the empty way behind, in front,
Which he must pace for evermore alone—
So, even so, is Life to every soul.
Walled in with barriers which no Love can break.
And yet, ah me ! how often would we break
Through fence and fold, and overleap the walls.
To link ourselves to some beloved soul ;
Hearing her answering voice until the end,
Going her chosen way, no more alone,
But happy comrades, seeing Heaven in front.
But, ah, the barrier's high ! and still my front
I dash against the stones in vain, nor break
A passage through, but still remain alone.
Sometimes I hear across high garden walls
A voice the wind brings over, or an end
Of song that sinks like dew into my soul.
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