Classic Poem

Eyes that widen to the light,
Dying eyes, fulfilled of Sight;

" Heart of ebb-tide, ebbing fast,
Do you know us at the last?

" Do you know us, where we bring
All our thwarted offering? —

" In our bright hands overflowing,
All the light there was for knowing,
Garnered to your going?

" Longing, longing from the first,
So to rain upon your thirst! —

" Life, and could it shew you this
Only with the parting kiss?"
. . . . . .
" Calling glories of the Sun,
All up-gathered in the one: —

" Ah, and can you see me now,
Eyes of light? — Fading brow?

" Harken, pitiful and dear!
Life it is at last, so near:
Life and all the lights thereof. —
Do you know me? Do you hear?
I was Love."

You that take your leave, alone,
Only now to find your own! —
Could Life never tell you this,
Till the parting kiss?