UNITY

When I approach thee, Love, I lay aside

All that is mortal in me; with a heart

Absolved and pure, and cleansed in every part

Of every thought that I might wish to hide

From God, I come,— fit spirit to abide

With such a soaring spirit as thou art,

Whose eye transfixes with a fiery dart

Presumptuous passion and ignoble pride.

Yea, thus I come to thee, and thus I dare

To gaze into thine eyes; I take thy hand,

And its soft touch upon my lips and eyes

Thrills thy pure being, while it lingers there,

Into my heart and soul;— and then we stand

Like the first two that loved in Paradise!