Of One Who Neither Sees Nor Hears

by Richard Watson Gilder

She lives in light, not shadow;   Not silence, but the sound Which thrills the stars of heaven   And trembles from the ground. She breathes a finer ether,   Beholds a keener sun; In her supernal being   Music and light are one. Unknown the subtle senses   That lead her through the day; Love, light, and song and color   Come by another way. Sight brings she to the seeing,   New song to those that hear; Her braver spirit sounding   Where mortals fail and fear. She at the heart of being   Serene and glad doth dwell; Spirit with scarce a veil of flesh;   A soul made visible. Or is it only a lovely girl,   With flowers at her maiden breast?   —Helen, here is a book of song   From the poet who loves you best.

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