A vision of life

Chapter 12: “OH, I HAVE THEE, ASTHORE”

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About This Book

A sequence of lyrical and visionary poems that probe human experience through nature, memory, and spiritual reflection. Imagery moves from intimate domestic details to wild and mythic landscapes while meters shift between compact lyrics and more elaborate, Elizabethan-influenced lines. recurring concerns include loss and consolation, the passage of time, faith and renewed hope, and occasional public or allegorical addresses. A reflective voice oscillates between melancholy and affirmation, transforming everyday objects and moments into metaphysical insight. The work favors careful reading to appreciate its subtle verbal music, disciplined metrical shaping, and layered symbolism.

“OH, I HAVE THEE, ASTHORE”

Oh, I have thee, Asthore: deep at this heart

Thy presence is a fragrance subtly-rare,

As blooms exhale the midnight hour. Whate’er

I do, will, dream, aspire, achieve, thou art

My Aim, my End. Nay, more, the absolute part

Of my Soul’s life! Should hollow-eyed Despair

Clutch on me it is only that I fare

Forth thro’ the day, and barter at Life’s mart,

Yet fail to win thee home. When Truth to woo me

Comes, she arrays her in thy form; and those

Assimilate twins, Beauty and Duty, to me

Are thee and thy soft word. In toil, repose,

Asleep, awake, thy spirit whispers thro’ me;

Nor boast I hours thou dost not ope and close.