A Resurrection

Neither would they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead . I was quick in the flesh, was warm, and the live heart shook my breast; In the market I bought and sold, in the temple I bowed my head. I had swathed me in shows and forms, and was honored above the rest For the sake of the life I lived; nor did any esteem me dead. But at last, when the hour was ripe-was it sudden-remembered word? Was it sight of a bird that mounted, or sound of a strain that stole? I was 'ware of a spell that snapped, of an inward strength that stirred, Of a Presence that filled that place; and it shone, and I knew my Soul. And the dream I had called my life was a garment about my feet, For the web of the years was rent with the throe of a yearning strong. With a sweep as of winds in heaven, with a rush as of flames that meet, The Flesh and the Spirit clasped; and I cried, 'Was I dead so long?' I had glimpse of the Secret, flashed through the symbol obscure and mean, And I felt as a fire what erst I repeated with lips of clay; And I knew for the things eternal the things eye hath not seen; Yea, the heavens and the earth shall pass; but they never shall pass away. And the miracle on me wrought, in the streets I would straight make known: 'When this marvel of mine is heard, without cavil shall men receive Any legend of haloed saint, staring up through the sealèd stone!' So I spake in the trodden ways; but behold, there would none believe!