Classic Poem

Words sweet, supremely perfect, and unending—
Words that have reached my inmost spirit and made
That spirit white and tender and deep,—soft-blending
Passion's divine betrayal with the shade
Of perfect purity as a veil descending
To hide some fierce-flushed rosebud in a glade:
Words that must keep my soul from e'er offending;
Words that must bring my spirit eternal aid,
For ever holiness and manhood lending;
Words after which no death can make me afraid,—
O peaceful girlish words—a calm extending
That shall outlive the cold years' bitter raid;
Words soft, pure, exquisite,—divinely strong,—
I give the world your beauty;—in this song.