Futurity

Futurity

AND, O beloved voices, upon which

Ours passionately call because erelong

Ye brake off in the middle of that song

We sang together softly, to enrich

The poor world with the sense of love, and witch,

The heart out of things evil,--I am strong,

Knowing ye are not lost for aye among

The hills, with last years thrush. God keeps a niche

In Heaven to hold our idols; and albeit

He brake them to our faces and denied

That our close kisses should impair their white,

I know we shall behold them raised, complete,

The dust swept from their beauty,--glorified

New Memnons singing in the great God-light.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning