Knot of Steel

What precious thing am I making fast
in all these silken lines?
And where and to whom will it go at last?
Such subtle knots and twines!

I am tying up all my love in this,
with all its hopes and fears,
with all its anguish and all its bliss,
and its hours as heavy as years.

I am going to send it afar, afar,
to I know not where above;
to that sphere beyond the highest star
where dwells the soul of my Love.

If I had a carrier dove
that could fly over land and sea
with a message for my Love,
" I love but thee!”

This dove would never stir
But straight from me to you,
and straight from you to me;
as I know and you know too.

Would I first ensure, dear love
A dove that never tires
With my message in a cage,
Thru this cage of golden wires?

No, I would fling my dove:
“Fly, darling, without rest,
Over land and sea to my Love,
And fold your wings within his breast!”

T. Homson
A Wing and Prayer