Possession's Anguish

One tree in my garden, one tree Out of all the forests of the world: One little ship afloat upon the sea, One shell beneath the waves, flawless and pearled:

One rose on my bower, one rose For a day to scatter on the grass: One shifting star agleam where the wind blows, One gem upheld, that all may share who pass:

One heart to be ached for, one heart Out of all the bosoms that are here: One fragile hope alive, the starver's part, One joy already faint and pale with fear:

One flame in the darkness, one flame For the night to sever with a breath: One poor faith fettered to a mortal name— And over all, the beating wings of death....