INSPIRATION

At the golden gate of song

Stood I, knocking all day long,

But the Angel, calm and cold,

Still refused and bade me, "Hold."

Then a breath of soft perfume,

Then a light within the gloom;

Thou, Love, camest to my side,

And the gates flew open wide.

Long I dwelt in this domain,

Knew no sorrow, grief, or pain;

Now you bid me forth and free,

Will you shut these gates on me?