my own beloved who hast lifted me
from this drear flat of earth where i was thrown
and in betwixt the languid ringlets blown
a life-breath till the forehead hopefully shines out again as all the angels see
before thy saving kiss !!! my own my own
who camest to me when the world was gone
and i who looked for only god found thee!!! i find thee; i am safe and strong and glad
as one who stands in dewless asphodel
looks backward on the tedious time he had in the upper life --so i with bosom-swell
make witness here between the good and bad
that love as strong as d**h retrieves as well (1845)