Kallisti

So long have I looked for you
that I feared I would never hold you;
many have appeared to me,
beautiful and intelligent, tempting my soul
with your reflection in their eyes.

Without you, I am as a rich man
in an empty land where his money
will afford no protection in cold nights.

Without you, I am as useless words
crashing downwards on a torn page,
leaving a dark smear in passing.

I have seen you in these angels,
this heaven-held one before me,
but forever unknowing: is she
merely an echo of you — or is she
the one for whom I have waited?