THE EXILE

I am that Adam who, with Snake for guest,

Hid anguished eyes upon Eve's piteous breast.

I am that Adam who, with broken wings,

Fled from the Seraph's brazen trumpetings.

Betrayed and fugitive, I still must roam

A world where sin, and beauty, whisper of Home.

Oh, from wide circuit, shall at length I see

Pure daybreak lighten again on Eden's tree?

Loosed from remorse and hope and love's distress,

Enrobe me again in my lost nakedness?

No more with wordless grief a loved one grieve,

But to Heaven's nothingness re-welcome Eve?