Life burns us up like fire, br    And Song goes up in flame: br The radiant body smoulders br    To the ashes whence it came. br br Out of things it rises br    With a mouth that laughs and sings, br Backward it fades and falters br    Into the char of things. br br Yet soars a voice above it -- br    Love is holy and strong; br The best of us forever br    Escapes in Love and Song.