The Highest of Hopes

I breathe in my longing, my joy, and my strife;
I breathe in the turn and untwist of my life!

I so love that life! It's supposed to be sin,
Yet while in my mumble, my moan, and my mope,
I cannot for diamonds keep gratitude in.

So now this rare joy I encourage with hope

That life is not merely the fall of a star,

Whose light may streak brightly but never for far;

Let life not be this but the first lovely kiss

Of the Lady Eternal, with whom all elope.

Not merely a sad and a beautiful song,

Which may stir our emotions but never for long,

Let death not be this but the wonderful kiss,

(A taste of that haven, the highest of hopes),

Of the Lady Immortal adorned in her bliss,

And the Love to whom I do so pine to belong!

[1994?]