As one who sails upon a wide, blue sea <br />Far out of sight of land, his mind intent <br />Upon the sailing of his little boat, <br />On tightening ropes and shaping fair his course, <br />Hears suddenly, across the restless sea, <br />The rhythmic striking of some towered clock, <br />And wakes from thoughtless idleness to time: <br />Time, the slow pulse which beats eternity! <br />So through the vacancy of busy life <br />At intervals you cross my path and bring <br />The deep solemnity of passing years. <br />For you I have shed bitter tears, for you <br />I have relinquished that for which my heart <br />Cried out in selfish longing. And to-night <br />Having just left you, I can say: "'T is well. <br />Thank God that I have known a soul so true, <br />So nobly just, so worthy to be loved!"<br /><br />Amy Lowell<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/venetian-glass/
