THE LANTHORN

“I never saw a soul save in the body.”

Haply within the woods of Paradise

We see unblinded of our earthly eyes,

Kiss with unthwarted lips, and taste our one

Desired and complete communion.

There scabbards that do sheath the gleaming blade,

There globes which muffle in the naked light

Aside being cast, naked and unafraid,

Lovers may stand in one another’s sight.

Now since through fleshly glass Thy flame, O Love,

Shines clear, and nowhere else doth visibly move;

That lanthorn bright I will bow down before,

Kneeling the crystal body to adore.