The Burning-Glass

A shaft of fire that falls like dew,

And melts and maddens all my blood,

From out thy spirit flashes through

The burning-glass of womanhood.

Only so far; here must I stay:

Nearer I miss the light, the fire;

I must endure the torturing ray,

And with all beauty, all desire.

Ah, time long must the effort be,

And far the way that I must go

To bring my spirit unto thee,

Behind the glass, within the glow.