Christina Rossetti — Memory

                        I. I nursed it in my bosom while it lived,          I hid it in my heart when it was dead; In joy I sat alone, even so I grieved          Alone and nothing said. I shut the door to face the naked truth,          I stood alone,--I faced the truth alone, Stripped bare of self-regard or forms or ruth          Till first and last were shown. I took the perfect balances and weighed;          No shaking of my hand disturbed the poise; Weighed, found it wanting: not a word I said,          But silent made my choice. None know the choice I made; I make it still.          None know the choice I made and broke my heart, Breaking mine idol: I have braced my will          Once, chosen for once my part. I broke it at a blow, I laid it cold,          Crushed in my deep heart where it used to live. My heart dies inch by inch; the time grows old,          Grows old in which I grieve.                         II. I have a room whereinto no one enters          Save I myself alone:          There sits a blessed memory on a throne, There my life centres. While winter comes and goes--O tedious comer!--          And while its nip-wind blows;          While bloom the bloodless lily and warm rose Of lavish summer. If any should force entrance he might see there          One buried yet not dead,          Before whose face I no more bow my head Or bend my knee there; But often in my worn life's autumn weather          I watch there with clear eyes,         And think how it will be in Paradise When we're together.