Part 6 (2/2)

You talked of half a hundred things, I kept each little word you said; And when at last the hour was full, I saw the light turn red.

You did not know the time had come, You did not see the sudden flower, Nor know that in my heart Love's birth Was reckoned from that hour.

Gramercy Park

For W. P.

The little park was filled with peace, The walks were carpeted with snow, But every iron gate was locked.

Lest if we entered, peace would go.

We circled it a dozen times, The wind was blowing from the sea, I only felt your restless eyes Whose love was like a cloak for me.

Oh heavy gates that fate has locked To bar the joy we may not win, Peace would go out forevermore If we should dare to enter in.

In the Metropolitan Museum

Within the tiny Pantheon We stood together silently, Leaving the restless crowd awhile As s.h.i.+ps find shelter from the sea.

The ancient centuries came back To cover us a moment's s.p.a.ce, And thro' the dome the light was glad Because it shone upon your face.

Ah, not from Rome but farther still, Beyond sun-smitten Salamis, The moment took us, till you stooped To find the present with a kiss.

Coney Island

Why did you bring me here?

The sand is white with snow, Over the wooden domes The winter sea-winds blow-- There is no shelter near, Come, let us go.

With foam of icy lace The sea creeps up the sand, The wind is like a hand That strikes us in the face.

Doors that June set a-swing Are bolted long ago; We try them uselessly-- Alas, there cannot be For us a second spring; Come, let us go.

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