X[ToC]
Dearest of all, and nearest though most far!
My spirit follows you across both sea
And land; all bounds, all spaces, are to me
Erased; my heart upon its wingèd car
Of thought outstrips you; nothing now shall mar
My joy in you, O brother!—save that we
Are of the earth and ask to touch and see
The thing we love upon this yearning star.
O world of strange desires! Have not we two
Lived to behold each other and to smile?
Have our two notes not mingled in one chord?
What ails us? Were we joined this earthly while,
You would not love me better than you do,
Nor in my heart be otherwise adored.
XI[ToC]
Without, you seem forgotten. Am I sad
Or happy? None can tell. The lonely days
Recur, and draw me on the beaten ways
Of all who strive and toil. The things I had
Remain; all daily happenings, good or bad,
Fall as they did: success and loss, delays
That sweeten victory: the balance sways
Unceasingly, makes heavy, or makes glad.
And this is life, such as the world demands.
Within, 'tis otherwise; for in the far
Depths where my soul recoilèd sits, there are
No echoes of such wisdom; there my hands
Are folded, and in yours: I seek your eyes,
Your voice, your smile.... Within, 'tis otherwise.