Souls

MY Soul goes clad in gorgeous things,

Scarlet and gold and blue;

And at her shoulder sudden wings

Like long flames flicker through.

And she is swallow-fleet, and free

From mortal bonds and bars.

She laughs, because Eternity

Blossoms for her with stars!

O folk who scorn my stiff gray gown,

My dull and foolish face,—

Can ye not see my Soul flash down,

A singing flame through space?

And folk, whose earth-stained looks I hate,

Why may I not divine

Your Souls, that must be passionate,

Shining and swift, as mine!