Before the First Name

Ere Dawn resumed her immemorial trust, And vested earth with its hereditary fire, A quiet ordinance, older far than light, Passed through creation's unrecorded choir. No seraph stirred. No sceptre changed its hand. Only possession loosed its last command. The cedar kept its patriarchal shade; The river held its testament to sea; The stars maintained their sacerdotal watch, Yet none rehearsed the grammar of the free. Each thing fulfilled Its undisputed part, Without one covenant of "mine" at heart. Then at the vesper table, long made holy By homely fidelities no years could sever, She brake the loaf, prepared the waiting bowl, And reached to serve her absent love as ever. Her hand grew still— For love, at length made whole, Could not distinguish giver from the bowl. Then Light, divested of all need to shine, Found every soul had always been its own.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

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