Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.
By Alice WilliamsBrotherton977 The Blazing Heart
W
In the outer gloom,
Each with a blazing heart in hand,
Which lighteth the dark beyond the tomb?
Too well, too well!
Yet, for that love, though sore reproved,
(Oh, sore reproved!) have we ’scaped hell.
Woe, woe and alas!
Only—to us this grace is given,
To light the dark where the dead must pass.
And the mists are gray;
But our blazing hearts light the soul along
From grave to yon gate that hides the day.”
At my right hand?
“This is the heart which for Anthony
Changed from soft flesh to a burning brand.”
Is glowing still.”
“This kindled for Phaon; the flame it showed
No waters of ocean could quench or kill.”
“She loved so much
That even the Sinless heard her prayer,
Pitied her pangs, and suffered her touch.”
“They blaze, they burn!”
Let me flee back to my coffined peace!
“Pass on (they beckon); there ’s no return.”
I am faint with fear!
“Already thy heart like an ember glows;
Pluck it forth from thy bosom, thy place is here.”
Is the fairer lot.
Better with him in hell to pine
Than stand in cool shadows by him forgot!