A Devotion Beyond Time

O thou whose visage doth outshine the moon's pale law, Behold my heart, a clockwork kept in heaven's fold; Each tick, a pilgrim bending knee at thy soft awe, Each tock, a vault where sacred vows are carved in gold. If stars conspire to barter night for endless day, Then let mine eyes, in worship, rend the dark away. When Time, that subtle alchemist, would steal my breath, Thou art the crucible wherein my being stays. Love is no shepherd's simple balm nor petty death; 'Tis compass, crucifix, and lamp that lights my ways. I bind my soul as seam to seam with thine, and know That every seam doth stitch the world to thee and so. Hear now confession writ in dust and wind and flame: My reason borrowed wings and learnt to fall for thee. Not flesh alone but intellect hath christened thy name, And found in thy small hand the key to destiny. O grant me but one harbour in thy steady breast, That I, once lost, might dwell and find eternal rest.