It chanceth once to every soul,
Within a narrow hour of doubt and dole,
Upon Life's Bridge of Sighs to stand,
'A palace and a prison on each hand.'
O palace of the rose-heart's hue!
How like a flower the warm light falls from you!
O prison with the hollow eyes!
Beneath your stony stare no flowers arise.
O palace of the rose-sweet sin!
How safe the heart that does not enter in!
O blessed prison-walls! how true
The freedom of the soul that chooseth you!
Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/on-the-bridge-of-sighs/
