String Stars for Pearls

String stars for pearls on a ribbon of whim

And fling it about her shoulders;

Carve cups from coral and crust each brim

Till the whole gem smokes and smolders;

Bring gold for beating in thick bright rings

And honey from hearts of clover:

But love will long for the absent things,

Ever the old earth over.

Go, ride the world in a glory of wars

And startle the Gods to wonder;

Break men to follow triumphant cars

With a rose-paved road thereunder;

Pile stone on stone for the bruit of a name

When a thousand years dissever:

But love will lean to a smaller flame

Forever and forever.