If only silence lies between
The muse and myself, then sing
And tell me if she listens.
To begin my suit, I have traveled far
Over all the cities of the mind,
Half-crazed with love and longing, through the palaces of thought
Whose gardens bid me stay, we know your kind;
I have trampled on the flowers
Of a thousand pining poets
For a blurred glimpse of her hand.
If that suffices not, then also say
I have braved the seas of nightmares for her sake,
Near lost my heart in deep and doubtful currents
To that beast which dwells beneath, the blinded monster
Crying if, if, eternally.
Then say to her, I come,
If your mountain breaks men’s souls, I am broken happily
And I stand at the door, praying I am heard –
Can you hear? Half-ashamed, I clear my throat
Yet cannot remain silent, I am here,
Will you come?
For this only
I have bored out half my wandering life
And hold it up before you, slick and trembling –
Will you come?