St. Afra To The Flames Poem by John Bannister Tabb

Here, on the prey of passion, famished Flames
Feed here! Spare not your victim. Torture tames
The wanton flesh rebellious. Let the heat
Of these your fierce caresses free the feet
And loose the fettered pinions of desire.
Delay not! Leap the barriers and fire
The citadel, the heart. A flame is there
To which your kiss is coldness. Clothe me fair,
O Christ, with purple penance. Crown me queen
Of agonies that cleave all mists between
My God and me! Life's vintage drop by drop
Fast fills the destined measure of my cup.
Quaff, Lord, my potion! Pledge me, and thy breath
Shall sweeten all the bitterness of death.