I had held out for walking through this gate
with you but you did not arrive
and so I have passed through.

God has rained down such grace upon me
and for this my heart is grateful
and I will accept this reward.

No longer a citizen of the deserted city,
I will raise the banner of love 
God has long held over us.

I will be called by a new name, having
long ago given my consent to undergo
this holy transformation, married

Now to my Builder, King of my life.
You, king of my heart, hold fast
to the vast wasteland and all

The pretty things — monuments of your making
and stolen moments, fair maidens 
and your house in perfect order.

King of my heart is your heart happy?
Is it well with your weary soul?
I wonder now if you know

Anything at all of this New Jerusalem. Its splendor
surpasses even what I had seen before. 
Glancing back at the door

Through which I've passed, I thought I caught
the reflection of your smile. It reminded
me of how the sun sparkled

On the water that day we lay beside the stream
in one lifetime or the other. How I believed
even then we would do this 

Hand in hand, side by side, face to face
with He who called us both by name
and waits to send us forth.

I tremble at the task of preparation, now
expanded full and fear I cannot 
bear to carry through alone.

I will be faithful and celebrate blooming field
of festive flowers arrayed in colors for which
there are not yet names. I promise to

Save your place next to me if ever you
should come and meet me on this winding way, 
where I am building a highway with all the love

That multiplies inexplicably and adorns me
in robes of rose petals and greenery,
as a bride having made her preparation.