Roses on a Brier
Christina Rossetti

Roses on a brier,
Pearls from out the bitter sea,
Such is earth's desire
However pure it be.

Neither bud nor brier,
Neither pearl nor brine for me:
Be stilled, my long desire;
There shall be no more sea.

Be stilled, my passionate heart;
Old earth shall end, new earth shall be;
Be still, and earn thy part
Where shall be no more sea.