An Apprehension
IF all the ge-hearted friends I know
tred in o their gentleness,
That still grew geill its pulse was less
For life than pity,--I should yet be slow
T my ow nakedly below
The palm of such a friend, that he should press
Motive, dition, means, appliances,
My false ideal joy and fickle woe,
Out full to light and knowledge; I should fear
Some plait between the brows, sher chime
In the free voice. O angels, let your flood
Of bitter s dash on me ! do ye hear
What I say who hear calmly all the time
This everlasting face to face with GOD ?
Elizabeth Barrett Browning