Classic Poem

Why cease to love thee? Is not loving free?
I also love the daisies in the sod,
Discovering alike in them and thee
The love of God.

And if I leave the daisies in the grass,
And thy bright beauty in thy Maker's care,
Why should I not sing softly as I pass,
And call you fair?

I dare to love thee. Be it even so,
I also love the sunset in the west.
I find in thee and in the sunset-glow
God manifest.

Why censure me? I would not rob the sky
Of one red sunset rose or one white star.
And count thee unattainable and high
As angels are.

My love is no mere passion to possess.
I throne thee in a white exalted place,
And watch thy spirit's hidden holiness
Transform thy face.

I crown thee with a sunny aureole,
Acknowledging thy flesh is far from mine:
Only I dare to dream one day my soul
Will gather thine.