University of Virginia Library


42

[XVIII. The wise ones tell me that my heart's wild clamour]

The wise ones tell me that my heart's wild clamour
Must change to calm before I feel you near.
While Pain beats on it with its hob-nailed hammer,
How can I find the way to quiet, dear?
I sit down in the silence praying, praying,
“God's Will be done, but give me help at length.”
I wait, but Pain, that mighty hammer swaying,
Deprives the silence of all healing strength.
Then when I turn to action, swift and cruel
Leaps Memory in my path and bids me stand,
And challenges my bleeding heart to duel,
Knowing how I must suffer at its hand.
Oh, my Belovèd, let this conflict cease
And show me how to find the path to peace.