Afternoon

<SPAN name="XIV"></SPAN>XIV<br/> <br/> <br/> It is now fifteen years that we have thought as one;<br/> And that our passion clear has conquered habitude,<br/> Such as is wont to injure the most tenacious love<br/> With unremitting stress of wasteful hands and rude.<br/> <br/> And when I look at you I make discoveries,<br/> Such is the intimacy your pride and sweetness bring;<br/> And time, though it has somewhat obscured your loveliness,<br/> Exalts your heart whose golden depths are opening.<br/> <br/> Naively now you let its hidden depths be searched,<br/> Your soul yet always seems as fresh as kindled fire;<br/> And, like an eager ship with wind-swept masts, our joy<br/> Voyages upon the seas of our desire.<br/> Within ourselves alone we anchor all our faith<br/> To naked frankness and to high benevolence;<br/> And we work and live forever in the light<br/> Of a joyous and translucent confidence.<br/> <br/> You have the strength of frailty and infinite purity<br/> To walk the sombre roadways, your heart in aureole,<br/> And to have cherished dearly in spite of mist or shade,<br/> All the rays of morning in your childlike soul.<br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />