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1867–1935

THE MESSAGE

George William Russell

Do you not feel the white glow in your breast, my bird? That is the flame of love I send to you from afar: Not a wafted kiss, hardly a whispered word, But love itself that flies as a white-winged star.

Let it dwell there, let it rest there, at home in your heart: Wafted on winds of gold, it is Love itself, the Dove. Not the god whose arrows wounded with bitter smart, Nor the purple-fiery birds of death and love.

Do not ask for the hands of love or love's soft eyes: They give less than love who give all, giving what wanes. I give you the star-fire, the heart-way to Paradise, With no death after, no arrow with stinging pains.

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THE MESSAGE · George William Russell · Poetry Cove