“Starlit Bride”

 

The Beloved (‘The Bride’) 1865-6 Dante Gabriel Rossetti 1828-1882

“Starlit Bride”

Now, as I gaze upon bright stars, remote

and marvel at their majesty,  delight

returns to you again for there I dote

upon another incandescent light.

 

You are my luminescent, brightest orb;

your glow astounds the dark.  A burning sight,

your spark a universe I would explore

before the sun should scatter all our night.

 

Our lamp holds oil enough for this short life

my darling wife, whose love retrieves me from

a dark and lonely song; sad herald’s strife;

 lackluster,  ’til we’re in our final home.

As you sleep, a thousand stars may hover;

your light more splendid than our starlit cover.