I speak now in a hushed tone—
Afraid to scare away
This, and being left alone,
I
would curse my fate.
If I were, for but a moment,
To hold it in my arms,
It would be as shining golden
And heavy as a star.
If I were, for but a moment,
To look it in the eyes,
It would be as to beholden
Death and life entwined.
But such as this when touched
Shall fade into a mist,
And so I value just as much
Each stolen subtle kiss.
For sometimes that which is beauty
Is not in itself flesh,
And so it must take on a body,
And fill itself with breath.
Here I behold within these eyes
The face of life and death.
And hold in this angelic face
A bright star crest suppressed.
For as the lamb, who from on high,
Was wrapped in flesh and bone,
So has she disguised the divine
To make this land her home.
For such wisdom and strength of soul
Could not from man arise.
I see in her the Holy Ghost
And heaven in her eyes.