The Heart took Wings

 

The heart took wings of radiant things

And flew to Him, her Lord;

The night-watch shook in agony,

But could not wield his sword;

The gaoler black raised frantic arms,

But could not speak a word.

 

She flew past all the towers of dark;

The sentinels asleep,

Stone-still like Rodin's "Thinker" sat,

Brooding upon the deep;

The elemental purple winds

Drew in their breath to weep.

 

The lanterns in the questioning streets

Zig-zagged across the earth,

In crazy ecstasy went out,

Self-shattered in their mirth;

Fragmented rose to stars and danced

Attendant on her birth.

 

She reached at last those nestling hands,

Her haven of rapturous peace;

He smiled: "I drugged those 'blackguards' well;

How did you find the keys?"

Then whispered, "Go, your Mother waits

To take you on Her knees."

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