DE PROFUNDIS

by: Christina Rossetti (1830-1894)

H why is heaven built so far,

Oh why is earth set so remote?

I cannot reach the nearest star

That hangs afloat.

 

I would not care to reach the moon,

One round monotonous of change;

Yet even she repeats her tune

Beyond my range.

 

I never watch the scatter'd fire

Of stars, or sun's far-trailing train,

But all my heart is one desire,

And all in vain:

 

For I am bound with fleshly bands,

Joy, beauty, lie beyond my scope;

I strain my heart, I stretch my hands,

And catch at hope.

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