Page:The forerunner, his parables and poems.djvu/70

 A face that bids my eyelids not to sleep,

A voice that lingers in my ears,

A hand that touches my hand.

Forgive me that you have waited too long.

It is over now, and all is faded:— The face, the voice, the hand and the mist that brought them hither.

The knot is untied.

The cord is cleaved.

And that which is neither food nor drink is withdrawn.

Approach, my hungry comrade;

The board is made ready,

And the fare, frugal and spare,

Is given with love.

Come, and dig your beak here, into the left side,

And tear out of its cage this smaller bird,

Whose wings can beat no more:

I would have it soar with you into the sky.

Come now, my friend, I am your host tonight,

And you my welcome guest.

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