Poems (Freston)/Unrepentent
UNREPENTENT
Of all the fates that crossed my own,—Of all the men that I have known, 'Tis strange that thou shouldst be The one to hold the torch of fire That set aflame my heart's desire, And made it burn for thee.
I ask not if a love as strong Meets mine, nor if your heart, as long As mine, may faithful stay! With open hands, I give my gold To the last grain,—nothing withhold, Nor haggle for my pay.
That heart is poor and weak and small,That counts each heart throb,—numbers all The pulsings of its pain. And, "so much have I given!" say, "So much on such and such a day,You must return the same."
You gave me rapture, and I give Body and heart and soul, and live Vassal alone to thee.Love me as long as love is joy, Nor let one troubled thought annoy,Nor fear reproach from me.
The world will say that I am wrong, And often from the soulless throng Will hiss the word, "Disgrace!" But when I stand before God's throne,—Either with you, or quite alone,—I'll meet Him face to face!
For He must know the soul He made Was dowered too richly for mere trade In dull Convention's mart; Too strong to wear the bonds of creeds, Too brave to whine o'er perished deeds,Too true to sell the heart.
"Those who aspire and they who love!"A poet's pen once strove to prove The rest are lower down; And I, who love and who aspire,—Reach for and snatch Prometheus's fire,—Smile at each pygmy's frown.