LOVE'S TRIBUTARIES

By Gilbert Parker

2026-05-02

I can say now, “There was the confluence

Of all Love's tributaries; there the sea

Of Love spread out towards eternity;

And there my coarser touched her finer sense.

Poor though I am in my own sight, I know

That thou hast winnowed, sweet, what best I am;

Upon my restlessness thy ample calm

Hath fallen as on frost-bound earth the snow.

It hideth the harsh furrows that the wheels

Of heavy trials made in Life's champaign;

Upon its pure unfolding sunshine steals,

And there is promise of the spring again.

Here make I proclamation of my faith,

And poise my fealty o'er the head of Death.”