Late Have I Loved Thee

Late have I loved thee, beauty so ancient and so new!

Late have I loved thee!

Thou wast within me, and I stood without.

I sought thee here, hurling my ugly self on the beauty of thy creatures.

Thou wast with me, but I was not with thee.

Thou hast called me, thy cry has vanquished my deafness.

Thou hast broadcast thy perfume, and I have breathed it: now I sigh for thee. 

I have tasted thee, and now I hunger for thee.

Thou hast touched me, and now I burn with desire for thy peace.