A Vigil, by Caroline Spencer

A Vigil

I sit alone and watch the darkening years,
And all my heart grows dim with doubt and fear;
Till out of deepest gloom a face appears,
The only one of all that shineth clear.   (O lovely face, that all the world doth wrong!
But not upon the world thou smilest so;
Thou only real amid the phantom throng,
Thou only sure while others come and go!)   Make white thy wedding garments, O my soul!
And sigh no longer for thy scanty dower;
For if he loves thee, he will crown thee whole
With nobler beauty and immortal power.   (O dearer than the bridegroom to the bride!
Nearer than any words of earth can say;
No harm shall come when thou art by my side.
And sorrow from thy look shall flee away.)   Forget, my soul, the roses of this land,
Nor mourn that autumn flowers are few and pale;
For see--he bears white lilies in his hand,
And grief hath woven thee a silver veil.   (O silent feet, that hasten day and night!
When will ye come and stand beside my door?
What if I meet thee with the morning light,
O lovely face, and see the world no more!)   Now it is naught that hope deceived us in our youth.
And naught that hope deceived us in our youth.
This is the face my heart hath ever shrined,
And fairer than all fancies is the truth.   (O mighty angel of the secret name!
Come, for my heart doth answer thee All-hail;
I know thy clasp is as a wind of flame,
I know that I shall perish, yet prevail!)   I see no more the shadow-forms between,
I hear the murmur slowly fall and cease;
One smile is all of majesty serene,
One many-toned voice is saying, Peace!   Come with the new name and the mystic stone,
And speak so low that none shall hear the call;
O beautiful, beloved and still unknown,
I ask thee naught; thy look has promised all!

poems.one - Caroline Spencer

Caroline Spencer