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BEYOND THE PRESENT CLAY, by                    
First Line: He who has loved beyond disaster's edge
Last Line: His heart's assuaging, and his soul's release.


He who has loved beyond disaster's edge,
Treading for earth the dark, uncertain air,
And made to fearful self no secret pledge
Lest this endeavor shatter on despair;
He who has loved beyond the present clay,
With no breath treasured for repentance's sake,
No heartbeat hoarded for the promised day
When breath shall end, the heart no longer ache;
Who has withheld no particle of bliss,
But given it utterly in each embrace,
Keeping for memory's sake no single kiss
To gloat upon in some cold, heavenly place --
Reaps, for abandonment, his body's peace,
His heart's assuaging, and his soul's release.





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