De Profundis

Oh why is heaven built so far,
     Oh why is earth set so remote?
I cannot reach the nearest star
     That hangs afloat.

I would not care to reach the moon,
     One round monotonous of change;
Yet even she repeats her tune
     Beyond my range.

I never watch the scatter’d fire
     Of stars, or sun’s far-trailing train,
But all my heart is one desire,
     And all in vain:

For I am bound with fleshly bands,
     Joy, beauty, lie beyond my scope;
I strain my heart, I stretch my hands,
     And catch at hope. 

—Christina Rossetti

Comments

[Brandon]

One of my favorites.

[Becky, Christ's slave]

I love her writing. Thanks for reminding me that I do, Rebecca.