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Commemoration

by Claude McKay, 1922

When first your glory shone upon my face
  My body kindled to a mighty flame,
And burnt you yielding in my hot embrace
  Until you swooned to love, breathing my name.

And wonder came and filled our night of sleep,
  Like a new comet crimsoning the sky;
And stillness like the stillness of the deep
  Suspended lay as an unuttered sigh.

I never again shall feel your warm heart flushed,
  Panting with passion, naked unto mine,
Until the throbbing world around is hushed
  To quiet worship at our scented shrine.

Nor will your glory seek my swarthy face,
  To kindle and to change my jaded frame
Into a miracle of godlike grace,
  Transfigured, bathed in your immortal flame.

Published in Harlem Shadows
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