The Kiss

By George Sterling

Adored! adored! thy lips were on mine own
    Like fragrance tangible, or like a rose
    Nurtured by Love in Circe's garden-close,
Or blossom by his hands immortal sown;
And silence now to melody has grown,
    And music to enchanted silence flows;
    The winds are choral with unuttered woes;
The sea has hidden meanings in its moan.

So Artemis such joy in guerdon keeps,
    Husht, and descendant on celestial wings
    That mix their pearl with evening, as she brings,
        Where deep of Slumber's cup Endymion sips,
Her silver to the face of him who sleeps,
        Her passion to the unrealizing lips.

Written in Carmel.