O break my heart

O break my heart;
but break it as a field
Is by the plough
up-broken for the corn;
O break it as the buds,
by green leaf sealed,
Are, to unloose
the golden blossom, torn;
Love would I offer
unto Love’s great Master,
Set free the odor,
break the alabaster.

O break my heart;
break it victorious God,
That life’s eternal well
may flash abroad;
O let it break
as when the captive trees,
Breaking cold bonds,
regain their liberties;
And as thought’s sacred grove
to life is springing,
Be joys, like birds,
their hope, Thy victory singing.

--Thomas Toke Bunch