Poems of Passion — 01 - Love's language

[Illustration: "REJOICE, AND MEN WILL SEEK YOU"] LOVE'S LANGUAGE.

How does Love speak?

In the faint flush upon the tell-tale cheek, And in the pallor that succeeds it; by The quivering lid of an averted eye-- The smile that proves the patent to a sigh-- Thus doth Love speak.

How does Love speak?

By the uneven heart-throbs, and the freak Of bounding pulses that stand still and ache, While new emotions, like strange barges, make Along vein-channels their disturbing course;

Still as the dawn, and with the dawn's swift force-- Thus doth Love speak.

How does Love speak?

In the avoidance of that which we seek-- The sudden silence and reserve when near-- The eye that glistens with an unshed tear-- The joy that seems the counterpart of fear, As the alarmed heart leaps in the breast, And knows and names and greets its godlike guest-- Thus doth Love speak.

How does Love speak?

In the proud spirit suddenly grown meek-- The haughty heart grown humble; in the tender And unnamed light that floods the world with splendor;

In the resemblance which the fond eyes trace In all fair things to one beloved face;

In the shy touch of hands that thrill and tremble;

In looks and lips that can no more dissemble-- Thus doth Love speak.

How does Love speak?

In the wild words that uttered seem so weak They shrink ashamed to silence; in the fire Glance strikes with glance, swift flashing high and higher Like lightnings that precede the mighty storm;

In the deep, soulful stillness; in the warm, Impassioned tide that sweeps through throbbing veins Between the shores of keen delight and pains;

In the embrace where madness melts in bliss, And in the convulsive rapture of a kiss-- Thus doth Love speak.