A Branch of Lilies

by Michael Field

A branch of lilies, with their stems upright
And a crowding heavenward, lies in the moonlight,
With leaves that are not shut at all by night.

Fullfilled of peace and passion to the rim,
Each flower grows ardent as the seraphim,
Tranquil as Abraham when God talked with him.

Surely they listen what the Spirit saith;
No soil is on their senses; with such breath
The angel spake: There shall be no more death.