Versos English Emile Verhaeren Xxiii

English poem

Xxiii

by (1855–1916)

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Your gift of self is ever prodigal; The flight that wings you higher is above, Above cessation and all weariness, Reaching toward the heaven of fullest love.

A clasp of hands, a glance enfevers you; Your heart appears so beautiful and such That I do fear your eyes, your lips, and that I am unworthy and you love too much.

Alas! the fire and tenderness too high For beings who have only one poor heart, Wet with regrets and thorny with its faults, To find but tears to weep with when they part.