De Profundis

Christina Georgina Rossetti

     Oh why is heaven built so far,
         Oh why is earth set so remote?
     I cannot reach the nearest star
         That hangs afloat.

     I would not care to reach the moon,
         One round monotonous of change;
     Yet even she repeats her tune
         Beyond my range.

     I never watch the scatter'd fire
       Of stars, or sun's far-trailing train,
   But all my heart is one desire,
       And all in vain:

   For I am bound with fleshly bands,
       Joy, beauty, lie beyond my scope;
   I strain my heart, I stretch my hands,
       And catch at hope.

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