Heaven is like an empty room to-night; From rim to chilly rim Wells the clear radiance of the cold moonlight, And the earth-ways are dim. Who has departed from this perfect place! What fiery one here set His throne in splendor, whom, vanished now, the face Of heaven remembers yet! Emptiness--emptiness--the skies are bare, And the stark earth no less Grows vacant as a memory: everywhere Sleeps the cold loveliness. Old is the earth, too old; her voice is shrill Against the end of things-- To the inevitable her bitter will Grows humbler as she sings. Now from my breast the very soul takes flight, Leaving her chambers bare Of all save lonely memory and moonlight-- And Song is silent there. THE FLESH AND THE DREAM The baffled dreamer, the defeated Christ That for your love upon the cross-tree hung-- O take Him to your bosom, give Him rest Close at the wanton wonder of your breast, O carnal World, forever well and young! VAUDEVILLE When to a cheap and tawdry tune the orchestra cried out, Frantic, in violent syncopation, and began Your holy, adorable body in mournful grace to move about Through the old, devious motions, the device of man-- How suddenly then, silent magnificence, you put to shame The crowded and garish theatre, the strangled cries Of flute and trumpet! O mortal body, bearer of our flame Through the drear lands of death, flower of the eternities! Revered, reviled, wept and adored, beseeched, cried out upon By ravening lips of the ages--the sacred source of things, That glimmered in Thrace, that shone in Rome, that swayed in Babylon, Here moves to the vile throb of castanets and strings. O through what generations have you lured, what secret ways, Man’s fainting heart to be reborn! What splendors move Deep in his breast when, dolorous, your reluctant beauty sways In the old weary rhythms of eternal love! 1914 I lift my gaze beyond the night, and see, Above the banners of Man’s hate unfurled, The holy figure that on Calvary Stretched arms out wide enough for all the world. THE BELOVÈD Life, Belovèd, I lay my heart against Your heart, Long, long I peer into the dark pool of Your eyes; Never will I forsake You, O adorable One! I cannot comprehend You, but I love You. In the shadow of Your locks I hide my eyes from the terrors; But You are not greatly concerned-- Closer and closer I draw toward the dear Face. See--I set my lips against Your lips, But You do not answer: Steadfast and grave beyond me Your eyes are burning, As of one that dreams. I am clinging here at Your heart! I am singing my love of You for sheer joy! Mother, what is it that trembles on Your lashes so soft-- And Your lips are salt as the taste of the sea?