ITTLE blue gulf of pleasure
Shot through with films of red,
In the old years fallen and dead
I loved thee out of measure.
Like mother's milk to me,
Medicinal and kindly,
O recklessly and blindly
I loved and worshipped thee.
To thee of day and night all
My hours were given up;
And sometimes, little cup,
Betrayal was thy requital.
I blamed thee not therefor;
My worship grew more fervent;
I worthily thy servant
But loved thee yet the more.
Severe art thou, not cruel,
Infinite little god;
Thou chastenest with a rod
And crownest with a jewel.
Not now as once I did
Do I need thee, O divinest;
Still like a star thou shinest,
And let the sun be hid!
And let the high sun blunder
To the ultimate eclipse,
And thou with open lips
Swallow up the wasted thunder.
Who loves thee on his knees,
Who worthily thee kisses,
Shall drink the starry abysses
And empty the huge seas.
