Songs and Sonnets (Coleman)/When Thou Art Distant

by Helena Jane Coleman

WHEN THOU ART DISTANT.

 

When thou art distant, then art thou most near,
For though in thy dear presence I am fain
With my great joy forever to remain,
Yet when thou art no longer with me here,
The sum of thee, like music fine and clear,
Steals in upon my being till I gain
So close a sense of thee that I attain
A new relationship divinely dear.

'Tis in the silent hour we most discern
The face of our beloved, and realize
The deeps of our own heart; 'tis when we yearn
With unspent passion that the spirit-eyes
Unclose to Heavenly vision, and we learn
Those narrow ways that lead to Paradise.