WHY need you a burnished mirror of gold, O bright and imperious face? Mine eyes be the shadowless wells of desire For the sun of your glory and grace! Why need you the praises of ivory lutes, O proud and illustrious name? My voice be the journeying lute of delight For the song of your valour and fame! Why need you pavilions and pillows of silk, Soft foot-cloths of azure, O Sweet? My heart be your tent and your pillow of rest, And a place of repose for your feet! Why need you sad penance or pardon or prayer For life's passion and folly and fears? My soul be your living atonement, O Love, In the flame of immutable years! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE WRECK OF THE CIRCUS TRAIN by HAYDEN CARRUTH OLD TRAILS by EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON ABSALOM AND ACHITOPHEL by JOHN DRYDEN THE MAN-OF-WAR HAWK by HERMAN MELVILLE A PIPER by JAMES SULLIVAN STARKEY |