a kiss

Roxane:
Ah, hush!

Cyrano:
A kiss, when all is said, is -- what?
A compact sealed, a promise carried out.
An oath accomplished and a vow confirmed.
The rosy dot upon the "i" in "loving."
A secret for no ear, but for the lips.
The velvet humming of an amorous bee:
The endless moment of infinity.
The heart's communion cup that tastes of flowers.
The breathing in a little of the soul
When the pure spirit rises to the lips.

Roxane:
Ah, hush.

-- Edward Rostand Cyrano de Bergerac
Translated by Louis Untermeyer