First Love, Part One

Though a sad day goes, And a sad night comes (For my Dear's not here with me), I will bring up living Our first love's giving, When out of the sea came she. Her leap was as sweet wind was, Singing sweet, and where white waves Rushed downward, shedding brightness at her side, Her spirit-wings went soaring, The song of her was pride. Her face flamed into rapture As she plashed upon each wave; High billows swelled against her, But how low to one how brave. Her hands, in easy motion, Caught a foam-bell at her knee, Caught it up and, leaning shoreward, Blew it shining clear to me. So light a thing, so fragile, Yet it sailed above my hand, While climbing through the combers Strode all Beauty to the sand. She, who saw me rising, As in worshipping I rose, She, whose tender love-poem Was the pureness of no pose, As I closed the reach between us, Going softly through the tide, Said to me, spoke words to me--- Great love-words undenied--- "Sing, O Man, make music, Say desires here; Our hearts have blended rhythms, Our eyes make flames appear. My limbs, and all my body, My yearning blood and will, For reign of thine are ready, Thy loving lust to fill." Huge waves crashed over gently, Huge roar of them was sweet, While flying ubbles shattered All their flakes upon our feet. Our hands were like half-flowers Feeling glad again to rise, Then the petals pierced together And the sun shot from our eyes. I knew her dreams were Passion; I knew her name was True--- True Love of Full Possession--- That all my longings drew. And though how scorched within me My thirst kept welling up, I knew my soul abstracted, And speech spilled from my cup. O Sweet Warm Mouth so perfect, So justified to be; O Rare High Brow a-shining, Whose thoughts Love's deeds will be; I sign my lips upon thee, I sign my life and soul, Shut out all gods but Beauty, Make you my only goal. Now with these waves competing My coursing veins aspire To be in your veins beating Until my blood turns fire.