Teasdale, Sara. Rivers to the Sea
Electronic Text Center, University of Virginia Library

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CROWNED



I WEAR a crown invisible and clear,
     And go my lifted royal way apart
     Since you have crowned me softly in your heart
With love that is half ardent, half austere;
And as a queen disguised might pass anear
     The bitter crowd that barters in a mart,
     Veiling her pride while tears of pity start,
I hide my glory thru a jealous fear.
My crown shall stay a sweet and secret thing
     Kept pure with prayer at evensong and morn,
     And when you come to take it from my head,
     I shall not weep, nor will a word be said,
But I shall kneel before you, oh my king,
     And bind my brow forever with a thorn.



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