Classic Poem

The last light falls across your pictured face
(Unanswering sweet face, half turned away),
Withdrawing still, as down the west apace
Fades too the profile of June's longest day.
I wonder, did you watch an hour ago
While dropped the sun behind the mountain line?
And did you think how it, retreating so,
Must blaze along this level world of mine?
Love, what have I to do with sunset skies,
How red soever? All the world for me
Spreads eastward, and before my spirit's eyes,
Set fair between the mountains and the sea,
Doth stand the distant city of my heart.

Forgive me if I tell myself in vain:
" There is no power in this wide world to part
Our souls. Avail not time nor space nor pain,
For love is unconditioned. " Dear, to-night,
I am like an unlessoned child, who cries
For the sweet sensual things of touch and sight;
I want to read the gladness in your eyes;
I want your voice though but to speak my name;
My heart uncomforted, unsatisfied,
Hath put my best philosophy to shame.

Yet if you crossed the shadows to my side, —
No vision, but your very self indeed, —
I should not ask what kindly fate had brought
My heart's desire. I should not find at need
Expression for one eager waiting thought,
Not one of all the words I have to say.
I should but lean my cheek upon your hand,
And hold you close, the old, mute, childish way,
And you would comfort me and understand.
But not to-night, — I will be patient, Sweet,
Sit silently, and let life have its will.
The tread of the last passer in the street
Sounds with the chiming hour, then all is still,
Save that the little fountain in the park
Sings lazily the same old summer song
You knew in quiet nights when winds lay furled.
I needs must dream alone here in the dark
A little while, to-morrow go forth strong,
Lifting the shield of Love against the world.