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The NameAnna Hempstead BranchWhen I come back from secret dreams In gardens deep and fair, How very curious it seems — This mortal name I bear.For by this name I make their bread And trim the household light And sun the linen for the bed And close the door at night.I wonder who myself may be, And whence it was I came — Before the Church had laid on me This frail and earthly name.My sponsors spake unto the Lord And three things promised they, Upon my soul with one accord Their easy vows did lay.My ancient spirit heard them not. I think it was not there. But in a place they had forgot It drank a starrier air.Yes, in a silent place and deep — There did it dance and run, And sometimes it lay down to sleep Or sprang into the sun.The Priest saw not my aureole shine! My sweet wings saw not he! He graved me with a solemn sign And laid a name on me.Now by this name I stitch and mend, The daughter of my home, By this name do I save and spend And when they call, I come.But oh, that Name, that other Name, More secret and more mine! It burns as does the angelic flame Before the midmost shrine.Before my soul to earth was brought Into God’s heart it came, He wrote a meaning in my thought And gave to me a Name.By this Name do I ride the air And dance from star to star, And I behold all things are fair, For I see them as they are.I plunge into the deepest seas, In flames I, laughing, burn. In roseate clouds I take my ease Nor to the earth return.It is my beauteous Name — my own — That I have never heard. God keeps it for Himself alone, That strange and lovely word.God keeps it for Himself — but yet You are His voice, and so In your heart He is calling me, And unto you I go.Love, by this Name I sing, and breathe A fresh, mysterious air. By this I innocently wreathe New garlands for my hair.By this Name I am born anew More beautiful, more bright. More roseate than angelic dew, Apparelled in delight.I’ll sing and stitch and make the bread In the wonder of my Name, And sun the linen for the bed And tend the fireside flame.By this Name do I answer yes — Word beautiful and true. By this I’ll sew the bridal dress I shall put on for you.
The Second Book of Modern Verse
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Anna Hempstead Branch: Songs for my Mother
- Anna Hempstead Branch: Songs for my Mother
TrendingHere are the facts and trivia that people are buzzing about.
Did Birds Evolve from Dinosaurs?
The Twelve Dancing Princesses
Current Events This Week: January 2023
African Americans by the Numbers
Andersen’s Fairy Tales: Contents
The Celtic Twilight: A Teller of Tales
TrendingHere are the facts and trivia that people are buzzing about.
Did Birds Evolve from Dinosaurs?
The Twelve Dancing Princesses
Current Events This Week: January 2023
African Americans by the Numbers
Andersen’s Fairy Tales: Contents
The Celtic Twilight: A Teller of Tales
- Did Birds Evolve from Dinosaurs?
- The Twelve Dancing Princesses
- Current Events This Week: January 2023
- African Americans by the Numbers
- Andersen’s Fairy Tales: Contents
- The Celtic Twilight: A Teller of Tales
