On Love ♥

When love beckons to you, follow him,

Though his ways are hard and steep.

And when his wings enfold you yield to him,

Though he hides a sword among them.

And when he speaks to you believe in him,

Though his voice may shatter your dreams

Love will crown and crucify you. 

Love for your growth so he is for your pruning.

Love will caresses your tenderest branches 

And shake every clinging root.

Like sheaves of corn he gathers you unto himself.

He threshes and sifts you he grinds until he kneads you

And then he assigns you to his sacred fire, 

That you may become sacred bread for God's sacred feast.

 All these things shall love do unto you
That you may know the secrets of your heart, 

And in that knowledge become a fragment

A fragment of Life's heart.

Now if in your fear you seek only love's peace and love's pleasure,

Better cover your nakedness and pass out of love's threshing-floor,

Into a seasonless world where you shall laugh, but not all your laughter, 

And weep, and weep but not all of your tears.

Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself.

Love possesses not nor would it be possessed; 

For love is enough.

You should say, "I am in the heart of God."

You cannot direct the course of love,

For love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course.

To wake at dawn with a winged heart 

To come home in the evening with gratitude;

And then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart

And a song of praise on your lips.