Awakened

I prayed for other life to come, You prayed for sleep. We passed. The sentinels were dumb, The road was steep. I have forgotten days and hours; I found you, late, Asleep where grow tall nameless flowers Within the Gate. To shimmering heights of amethyst A bright path led; Far off I saw through silver mist The blessed dead. Those holy hills where souls rejoice Seemed flint and sand, If I must go without your voice, And miss your hand. No less for me all Paradise Were dust and thorn, Should I in your awakening eyes See pain reborn. I feared to touch your shining hair, To breathe your name; I waited while the golden air Brightened to flame. Across your eyes the glory fell; They opened wide, — How beautiful I may not tell, — How satisfied. 1901