Poems (Kennedy)/Perfection

by Sara Beaumont Kennedy

For works with similar titles, see Perfection.

PERFECTION

FOR me one perfect flower that blows In wide-eyed radiance to the morn,One fragrant, golden-hearted rose;      This— And what care I for stinging thorn?

For me one song, one vibrant cry From heart to heart with lark-clear note,One anthem, falling to a lullaby;      This— Then folded wing and songless throat.

For me one limpid glass brimmed high And effervescing like a crystal rhyme,Yea, one full cup of bubbling ecstacy;      This— And dregs of memory for all time.

For me one day of throbbing change Where hope runs eager, out of breath,One wide-winged flight, one free, far range,      This— Then life's twin jewel, dim-eyed Death!