De Profundis

    OH why is heaven built so far,
        Oh why is earth set so remote?
    I cannot reach the nearest star
        That hangs afloat.

    I would not care to reach the moon,
        One round monotonous of change;
    Yet even she repeats her tune
        Beyond my range.

    I never watch the scatter'd fire
        Of stars, or sun's far-trailing train,
    But all my heart is one desire,
        And all in vain:

    For I am bound with fleshly bands,
        Joy, beauty, lie beyond my scope;
    I strain my heart, I stretch my hands,
        And catch at hope.

        Christina Rossetti