Love’S Lantern

(For Aline)

Because the road was steep and long And through the dark and lonely land, God set upon my lips a song And put a lantern in my hand.

Through miles on weary miles of night That stretch relentless in my way My lantern burns serene and white, An unexhausted cup of day.

O golden lights and lights like wine, How dim your boasted splendours are. Behold this little lamp of mine; It is more starlike than a star!