A Notion of Beauty

I hold it fast within my heart—
The pressure of my living blood;
From Nature came a gentle whisper,
And I drank it deep,
Down to the farthest chambers of my breath,
Through all the silent organs of my frame.
 
A music dwelt within that love,
And bound me with a steadfast clasp;
Loosen it but for a moment,
And slowly I should waste away.
 
It is the way to a most loving heaven,
Where peace and concord rest unmoved;
It wakes the sense of beauty in the form,
And gives no leave to Sun or Star
To take their holiday.
 
In the shadow of my own desire
I dwell, my mind enclosed;
Yet sky of blue forgets no hour,
Nor does the green of leaf and light,
That ancient alchemy of growth.
 
I call to mind the need for pity,
And for love—the body’s dearest want.
Thou little whisper from the fields,
Thou too hast kept thy post today;
 
And I, in my unbroken leisure,
Cherish thee,
Welcome thee to live forever here.
 
Now on the hospital bed I lie,
Night’s balm and gentle draught beside me;
And I too would take no leave,
But beg of thee to make me deathless—
In a life without all pain.