It chanceth once to every soul, <br />Within a narrow hour of doubt and dole, <br /> <br /> <br />Upon Life's Bridge of Sighs to stand, <br />'A palace and a prison on each hand.' <br /> <br /> <br />O palace of the rose-heart's hue! <br />How like a flower the warm light falls from you! <br /> <br /> <br />O prison with the hollow eyes! <br />Beneath your stony stare no flowers arise. <br /> <br /> <br />O palace of the rose-sweet sin! <br />How safe the heart that does not enter in! <br /> <br /> <br />O blessed prison-walls! how true <br />The freedom of the soul that chooseth you!<br /><br />Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/on-the-bridge-of-sighs/
