There did appear unto mine eye and mind
A vision of perfection still and clear.
A voice came to me from swiftest wind,
Told me to look, to fill my soul, not fear.
And on the image, dark and light, gazed I.
To see, to sense, to look on beauty born.
And what beheld, I knew not what, not I,
My countenance did fall, my spirit torn.
Then veil did lower, as a rain begins;
'Twas light, yet smooth, the curtain fell to ground.
I knew, 'tis true as that the Earth doth spin,
'Twas she, no less, no more, no breath, no sound.
As ever-still as light of single star,
She stands, 'fore me, not near, not here, not far.