Wild Cherry Branches
v.
Such light and music, O blossom,
Were ours when I plucked you one moonrise, and you
Remember in fragrance her smile that you knew,
As you lived in her hand, as you lay on her bosom
Once, for a moment, and blossomed anew.
vi.
As I took you I looked, half in awe, where my friend
Crowned with completeness
All heaven's peace and the whole earth's sweetness;
So does her soul all souls transcend.
So, in my love for her, all loves blend.
vii.
For more than the vast everlasting heaven
Declares in its infinite mute appeal
To hearts that feel.
More than the secret and solace of even
Know of God, may a love reveal.
viii.
For then indeed it was clear to my soul
That in loving the one I loved the whole.
Fulfilled all aims, attained every goal;
And God was with me, eternity round me.
Though Life still bound me.
ix.
Past is that hour; but the heart's trouble lessens
Because it has been.
When I die, when free of its selfish screen
The god in me soars to the Godhead, the Presence
May seem to it first as the love once seen.
x.
We, flowers, have lived to our blossoming hour,
And not in vain did we rise from the root;
Whether we perish or ripen to power.
We know what sweetness it is to flower
Let life or death be the fruit.
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