If Only
If only . . . it were true that perfect face
And fetching body contours equalled good,
That silk-like lashes on the eye meant grace
Of character—and lovely dimples could
Be parallel with rectitude of soul,
That lips demanding urgent kisses might
Imply congruency with Heaven Whole,
And smiling teeth be hierophantic rite,
Then arches flashed like dark flames on the brows
And fingers toying with each flowing tress
Would be synchronic with Jehovah’s boughs
In Eden’s Tree of Life and could confess
That Venus and the Christ Child were at one,
That overwhelming beauty is God’s nun.