APHRODITE ENOIKIA
To warm forever at that red flame
His soul remembered at your name.
His soul remembered at your name.
V.
Nor could I sing of you, divinity,
If in these rounding arms I had not known you;
And since you gave your shining self to me,
Forevermore my heart and singing own you.
In the taut midnight hour you bade me learn
What starry raptures lovers earn together.
Our bodies were a breathing torch, to burn
My memory through all succeeding weather.
Life mounts unnoticed to a crest of passion. . . .
Love still is dear, but dulling in its hue;
Its flame must gutter, and its fire grow ashen,—
Yet one red reverent hour my spirit knew,
And knew how full love's cordial touch could be,
O woman who made Love grow flesh for me.
Nor could I sing of you, divinity,
If in these rounding arms I had not known you;
And since you gave your shining self to me,
Forevermore my heart and singing own you.
In the taut midnight hour you bade me learn
What starry raptures lovers earn together.
Our bodies were a breathing torch, to burn
My memory through all succeeding weather.
Life mounts unnoticed to a crest of passion. . . .
Love still is dear, but dulling in its hue;
Its flame must gutter, and its fire grow ashen,—
Yet one red reverent hour my spirit knew,
And knew how full love's cordial touch could be,
O woman who made Love grow flesh for me.
VI.
Out of the smiling sea, over the welcoming sand,
Scarfed with the nebulous robe of my dreams, goddess, I see you stand.
Out of the smiling sea, over the welcoming sand,
Scarfed with the nebulous robe of my dreams, goddess, I see you stand.
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