Elsie A. Gidlow

COME to me at the top of the world,

O Mine, before the years spill

All our love into Time’s cup

And give our will to Time’s will.

My wide basin is full of starlight,

My moon is lighted with new fire.

I have lit every sun in the firmament

With the hurting flame of my desire.

The worms there in the valley

Die—to forget death;

But here at the top of the world

I laugh under my breath.

There is pain here, beloved,

And tears, terrible tears;

But the joys have warm mouths, and the madnesses

Dance downward with the years.

Come to me at the top of the world

O Mine! The valley is deep;

The valley is over-full with the dying,

And with those that sleep;

But here wonderful winds blow,

And the pines sing—one song.

Come to me at the top of the world,

Come quickly—I have waited too long.