The Humming-Bird

Thought-sudden presence
Out of blank air--
Humming of wings!
Here--a whisk and a flash!
Sipping red balm there--
And the silence sings.

Thy will works its end
In freedom complete,--
Deed flashing in sheen;
Forward or backward
As easeful, as fleet,
As a spirit unseen.

Plumed gem all athrob,
Thy ruby throat burns
As from the hot kiss
Of a heaven-smit soul
As it panteth and yearns,
In its rapture of bliss!

Thing of beauty, of life,
Bright wink of a day
When we'll be what we are--
Freed of this garment's hem!
O soul, get thy wings,
Find the red balm for aye,
(Life of earth and of star!)
Flash with love, a live gem!