XXXIX <br /> <br />Because thou hast the power and own'st the grace <br />To look through and behind this mask of me <br />(Against which years have beat thus blanchingly <br />With their rains), and behold my soul's true face, <br />The dim and weary witness of life's race,— <br />Because thou hast the faith and love to see, <br />Through that same soul's distracting lethargy, <br />The patient angel waiting for a place <br />In the new Heavens,—because nor sin nor woe, <br />Nor God's infliction, nor death's neighborhood, <br />Nor all which others viewing, turn to go, <br />Nor all which makes me tired of all, self-viewed,— <br />Nothing repels thee, . . . Dearest, teach me so <br />To pour out gratitude, as thou dost, good!<br /><br />Elizabeth Barrett Browning<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/sonnet-39-because-thou-hast-the-power-and-own-st/
