Exile

Exile

In my solitary way, when words of love

I silently say, I smile and gaze

At memories of sweet embrace--

Glorious vision shaded,

Heaving breath faded.

Settled by the water’s cool

Fondness ushers in a rule.

To my incredulous surprise,

What do I recognize?

An ever-present treasure:

A friend I hold too dear.

My life is now a hermit’s part,

With Love the beacon of my heart.

Above the whistling of the breeze

A box of music is arriving for my needs.

Alight with joy, think of that gaze, the smile

That once reflectively beguiled,

Now, melodiously veracious—

With “Thank you, dear,” starting

A restrain echoes through the voice.

Well, Love reopens eyes,

Never again such sacrifice,

For heart and soul and mind parting.

Ask, “Who is the ruler of the heart?”

If it’s true love, it’s destined

According to Mind’s sacred plot,

Nothing else affords more earthly joy,

If such is our fate—why try to escape?

Why cause anguish by mistake?

Why remove so suddenly the good?

Only unworthy flirt hastens to its mood,

It downcasts—ah, the world’s shared complaint!

Unavailing constraint!

Oh, blessed eyes serene beyond,

Seeing only the very best in man,

Which is never withdrawn

When love, holy beauty awakens at dawn.

--eva-maria hogrefe—

"The government of divine Love derives its omnipotence from the love it creates in the heart of man; for love is allegiant, and there is no loyalty apart from love."

 --Mary Baker Eddy, Miscellany 189--

(August 21, 2009)