Christina Georgina Rossetti (1830–1894)

WISEST of sparrows that sparrow which sitteth alone

Perch’d on the housetop, its own upper chamber, for nest;

Wisest of swallows that swallow which timely has flown

Over the turbulent sea to the land of its rest:

Wisest of sparrows and swallows, if I were as wise!

Wisest of spirits that spirit which dwelleth apart

Hid in the Presence of God for a chapel and nest,

Sending a wish and a will and a passionate heart

Over the eddy of life to that Presence in rest:

Seated alone and in peace till God bids it arise.