Renunciation
I have not ever reached for Paradise;
Nor sought beyond my fellows to be blessed.
Nor hoped where all men fail;—but quick confessed
The Limit, and the taunting Mark that flies.
But since I’ve seen thy soul without disguise;
And dreamed thy love’s great passion once expressed;
I’ve known my portion’s good in one sole best:—
Thy love and thee,—strong Spirit pure and wise!
To read thro’ tortuous lines, at length to see
What is the single goal, the heart’s desire,
And then without possession learn to live,—
Is Life...! Toward this, my chastened mind I give,
And thro’ Renunciation dare aspire
To reach God’s light, thro’ love and loss of thee.