Volume I Part 33 (2/2)

A moment to whisper, only a moment to tell My dead, my dead, what words are so helpless to say-- The dreams unuttered, the prayers no pa.s.sion could pray, And then--the eternal sleep or the pains of h.e.l.l,

I could welcome them, Father, gladly as ever a child Laying his head on the pillow might turn to his rest And remember in dreams, as the hand of the mother is prest On his hair, how the Pitiful blessed him of old and smiled.

LOVE'S GHOST

I

Thy house is dark and still: I stand once more Beside the marble door.

It opens as of old: thy pale, pale face Peers thro' the narrow s.p.a.ce: Thy hands are mine, thy hands are mine to hold, Just as of old.

II

”Hus.h.!.+ hus.h.!.+ or G.o.d will hear us! Ah, speak low As Love spake long ago.”

”Sweet, sweet, are these thine arms, thy breast, thy hair a.s.suaging my despair, a.s.suaging the long thirst, quenching the tears Of all these years?

III

”Thy house is deep and still: G.o.d cannot hear; Sweet, have no fear!

Are not thy cold lips crushed against my kiss?

Love gives us this, Not G.o.d;” but ”Ah,” she moans, ”G.o.d hears us; speak, Speak low, hide cheek on cheek.”

IV

Oh then what eager whisperings, h.o.a.rded long, Sweeter than any song, What treasured news to tell, what hopes, what fears, Gleaned from the barren years, What raptures wrung from out the heart of pain, What wild farewells again!

V

Whose pity is this? Ah, quick, one kiss! Once more Closes the marble door!

I grope here in the darkness all alone.

Across the cold white stone, Over thy tomb, a sudden starlight gleams: Death gave me this--in dreams.

ON A RAILWAY PLATFORM

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