Ballad for Gloom

For god, our God, is a gallant foe That playeth behind the veil. I have loved my God as a child at heart That seeketh deep bosoms for rest, I have loved my God as maid to man— But lo, this thing is best: To love your God as a gallant foe                 that plays behind the veil, To meet your God as the night winds meet                 beyond Arcturus’ pale. I have played with God for a woman, I have staked with my God for truth, I have lost to my God as a man, clear-eyed—   His dice be not of ruth. For I am made as a naked blade,   But hear ye this thing in sooth: Who loseth to God as man to man   Shall win at the turn of the game. I have drawn my blade where the lightnings meet   But the ending is the same: Who loseth to God as the sword blades lose   Shall win at the end of the game. For God, our God, is a gallant foe                 that playeth behind the veil. Whom God deigns not to overthrow                 hath need of triple mail.