Life and death
July 6, 2023Zummer An’ Winter
July 6, 2023Flesh and Spirit
No! ’twas the questing dream that first achieved her–
More sensed for knowing no material part,
More real that no false outward eye perceived her,
Too gross, but that pure eye within my heart.
Nor feigned I, as my spirit so embraced her,
These arms encumbered might; ah! could they too,
Would she not fade as vision e’er effaced her,
As loves in this weak flesh so often do?
In flesh she might escape me, might expire
In the vicissitudes through flesh that range;
But, being the shadow of my heart’s desire,
She could not pass beyond me, could not change.
O paradox! Want food–you are richer fed!
Lack the coarse crumbs–you find diviner bread!
William Baylebridge
William Baylebridge (1883-1942) was an Australian poet and journalist who was associated with the Sydney Push, a group of writers and artists who challenged the conservative social norms of early 20th-century Australia. Baylebridge's poetry often dealt with themes of love and loss, and his most famous works include "The Wild Colonial Boy" and "The Dancing Bear."