(For Aline)

Because the road was steep and long
 And through a dark and lonely land,
God set upon my lips a song
 And put a lantern in my hand.

Through miles on weary miles of night
 That stretch relentless in my way
My lantern burns serene and white,
 An unexhausted cup of day.

O golden lights and lights like wine,
 How dim your boasted splendors are.
Behold this little lamp of mine;
 It is more starlike than a star!