THE BURNING HEART.

THE BURNING HEART.
303.2

Do heat to pallor-I, who sway
Forever in the bread of strife,
Not master, but the slave of life,
A burning heart I bear!
Yet death will full extinction give,
Or kindly age a bound will set;
So, if I live, I shall outlive;
And if I die, I shall forget- I shall not always care!

Not then, as now, at Anger’s shock
This burning heart its wall shall knock;
Nor shall its hopes, o’erdarkened soon,
Amidst a crucifixion noon,
Waste into moaning air!
I, Passion’s compassed fugitive,
Shall find release or refuge yet;
For, if I live, I shall outlive;
And if I die, I shall forget-
I shall not always care!
-Edith M. Thomas