Poem by Vachel Lindsay

Beyond the Moon

[Written to the Most Beautiful Woman in the World]

My Sweetheart is the TRUTH BEYOND THE MOON, 
And never have I been in love with Woman, 
Always aspiring to be set in tune 
With one who is invisible, inhuman. 

O laughing girl, cold TRUTH has stepped between, 
Spoiling the fevers of your virgin face: 
Making your shining eyes but lead and clay, 
Mocking your brilliant brain and lady’s grace. 

TRUTH haunted me the day I wooed and lost, 
The day I wooed and won, or wooed in play: 
Tho’ you were Juliet or Rosalind, 
Thus shall it be, forever and a day. 

I doubt my vows, tho’ sworn on my own blood, 
Tho’ I draw toward you weeping, soul to soul, 
I have a lonely goal beyond the moon; 
Ay, beyond Heaven and Hell, I have a goal!

1. Sweet Briars of the Stairways
2. The Haughty Snail-King
3. Upon Returning to the Country Road
4. The Master of the Dance
5. The Leaden-Eyed

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