For by this name I make their bread
And trim the household light
And sun the linen for the bed
And close the door at night.
I wonder who myself may be,
And whence it was I came —
Before the Church had laid on me
This frail and earthly name.
My sponsors spake unto the Lord
And three things promised they,
Upon my soul with one accord
Their easy vows did lay.
My ancient spirit heard them not.
I think it was not there.
But in a place they had forgot
It drank a starrier air.
Yes, in a silent place and deep —
There did it dance and run,
And sometimes it lay down to sleep
Or sprang into the sun.
The Priest saw not my aureole shine!
My sweet wings saw not he!
He graved me with a solemn sign
And laid a name on me.
Now by this name I stitch and mend,
The daughter of my home,
By this name do I save and spend
And when they call, I come.
But oh, that Name, that other Name,
More secret and more mine!
It burns as does the angelic flame
Before the midmost shrine.
Before my soul to earth was brought
Into God's heart it came,
He wrote a meaning in my thought
And gave to me a Name.
By this Name do I ride the air
And dance from star to star,
And I behold all things are fair,
For I see them as they are.