But my fruit.. ha, ha!—there, had been

      (I laugh to think on't at this hour!..)

Your fine white angels, who have seen

      Nearest the secret of God's power,..

And plucked my fruit to make them wine,

And sucked the soul of that child of mine,

      As the humming-bird sucks the soul of the flower.

#divine power #elizabeth barrett browning #loss of innocence #religious imagery #sacrifice

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