Poem by Kathleen Raine

Confessions

Wanting to know all
I overlooked each particle
Containing the whole
Unknowable.

Intent on one great love, perfect,
Requited and for ever,
I missed love’s everywhere
Small presence, thousand-guised.

And lifelong have been reading
Book after book, searching
For wisdom, but bringing
Only my own understanding.

Forgive me, forgiver,
Whether you be infinite omniscient
Or some unnoticed other
My existence has hurt.

Being what I am
What could I do but wrong?
Yet love can bring
To heart healing
To chaos meaning.

1. Love Poem
2. “The Ancient Speech”
3. The End of Love
4. Worry about Money
5. Shells

Robert Browning Confessions ("What is he buzzing in my ears?")

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