Eros on Einstein

COULD we match pace with Time,
All winds were still;
Morrows would come not; and the opening rose
Would be a rose forever: and our eyes —
Like this — like this — stay looking face on face,
Never to close!

Could we link hearts with Time,
Our mating too
Were endless, and all life composed one kiss!
And this soft breath, that falls to rise again,
Would keep its balm forever unwithdrawn;
And we should lie all night — like this — like this!
Wishing no light to come, no sound of dawn.

Could we as Time be swift,
Eternal Now
Would hold us, warm and living in one beat
Of his strong wing; and we, like this — like this!
In one spent motion, satisfied remain. . . .
While on the racing wave, at upmost lift
Of storm-rent life, our bark would hang becalmed;
And we, asleep, from deepest rest unroused,
Safe-housed, as in the grave,
Would lie — like this;
Nor seek amiss, for waking eyes or brain
To open and look out on life again.

Or if not swift as Time . . .
Could we be slow —
Stand still and let Time go!
And, as it vanished quite,
Regaining man’s lost right,
Leap, leap, O Heart’s Delight,
From sense, and sound, and sight,
Back to the bosom of eternal night!