Songs and Sonnets (Coleman)/Since Knowing You

by Helena Jane Coleman

SINCE KNOWING YOU.

 

Since knowing you I know myself no more;
All that I was and am—the wrong denied,
The insincerity, rebellions pride,
And selfishness behind the mask I wore,
The cold indifference I knew before
You came, the ills I scarcely sought to hide—
And all the ugly train so long defied,
At last into love's crucible I pour.

My pain and privilege! for sin confessed
Is sin repudiated, all its sting
And power made void. This is the final test,
Love's sacred task and deepest offering;
Behold, the hope and germ of all my best
Lies in the very worthlessness I bring!