67. The Burning-glass

George William Russell

A SHAFT of fire that falls like dew,
And melts and maddens all my blood,
From out thy spirit flashes through
The burning-glass of womanhood.


Only so far; here must I stay:
Nearer I miss the light, the fire;
I must endure the torturing ray,
And with all beauty, all desire.


Ah, time long must the effort be,
And far the way that I must go
To bring my spirit unto thee,
Behind the glass, within the glow.

Next 10 Poems

• George William Russell : 68. Babylon
• George William Russell : 69. The Faces Of Memory
• George William Russell : 7. The Great Breath
• George William Russell : 70. The Message
• George William Russell : 71. The Singing Silences
• George William Russell : 72. Affinity
• George William Russell : 73. A Call
• George William Russell : 74. Carrowmore
• George William Russell : 75. The Dream Of The Children
• George William Russell : 76. Inspiration

Previous 10 Poems

• George William Russell : 66. Refuge
• George William Russell : 65. Dream Love
• George William Russell : 64. Warning
• George William Russell : 63. Comfort
• George William Russell : 62. The Free
• George William Russell : 61. The Vesture Of The Soul
• George William Russell : 60. A Vision Of Beauty
• George William Russell : 6. Oversoul
• George William Russell : 59. The Man To The Angel
• George William Russell : 58. Self-discipline