Past Flesh and Soul
By George Sterling
Darling, if ne'er again, yet listenn now,
Since now, forsaken of it all. I find
'Tis not thy loveliness that holds me blind
To other beauty, as afar I bow
In faith and worship of a lover's vow—
Nay, nor the lure and riches of thy mind.
The marvel of the spirit well-divined
That hath her throne of light within thy b
Ah! not for each perfection do I call
Thy love my kingdom and thyself my queen,
But for a deeper goddess still more dear,
The mystery and essence of them all,
The inner Thou, untouched, unheard, unseen—
A subtle flame, a music, yea—a tear!
Carmel