James Russell Lowell (1819–1891)

BELOVED! in the noisy city here

The thought of thee can make all turmoil cease;

Around my spirit, folds thy spirit clear

Its still, soft arms, and circles it with peace:

There is no room for any doubt or fear

In souls so overfilled with love’s increase;

There is no memory of the by-gone year,

But growth in heart’s and spirit’s perfect ease.

How hath our love—half nebulous at first—

Rounded itself into a full-orbed sun!

How have our lives and wills (as haply erst

They were, ere this forgetfulness begun)

Through all their earthly distantness outburst,

And melted, like two rays of light, in one!