Across the World (Villanelle)

Across the World
by Edith M. Thomas

Across the world I speak to thee;
Where’er thou art (I know not where),
Send thou a messenger to me.

I here remain who would be free,
To seek thee out through foul or fair,
Across the world I speak to thee.

Whether beneath the tropic tree,
The cooling night-wind fans thy hair, —
Send thou a messenger to me!

Whether upon the rushing sea,
A foamy track thy keel doth wear, —
Across the world I speak to thee.

Whether in yonder star thou be,
A spirit loosed in purple air, —
Send thou a messenger to me!

Hath heaven not left thee memory
Of what was well in mortal’s share?
Across the world I speak to thee;
Send thou a messenger to me!