The kiss

Before you kissed me only winds of heaven

Had kissed me, and the tenderness of rain --

Now you have come, how can I care for kisses

Like theirs again?

I sought the sea, she sent her winds to meet me,

They surged about me singing of the south --

I turned my head away to keep still holy

Your kiss upon my mouth.

And swift sweet rains of shining April weather

Found not my lips where living kisses are;

I bowed my head lest they put out my glory

As rain puts out a star.

I am my love's and he is mine forever,

Sealed with a seal and safe forevermore --

Think you that I could let a beggar enter

Where a king stood before?