A Little Litany

When God turned back eternity and was young,Ancient of Days, grown little for your mirth(As under the low arch the land is bright)Peered through you, gate of heaven--and saw the earth.

Or shutting out his shining skies awhileBuilt you about him for a house of goldTo see in pictured walls his storied worldReturn upon him as a tale is told.

Or found his mirror there; the only glassThat would not break with that unbearable lightTill in a corner of the high dark houseGod looked on God, as ghosts meet in the night.

Star of his morning; that unfallen starIn that strange starry overturn of spaceWhen earth and sky changed places for an hourAnd heaven looked upwards in a human face.

Or young on your strong knees and lifted upWisdom cried out, whose voice is in the street,And more than twilight of twiformed cherubimMade of his throne indeed a mercy-seat.

Or risen from play at your pale raiment's hemGod, grown adventurous from all time's repose,Or your tall body climed the ivory towerAnd kissed upon your mouth the mystic rose.