Classic Poem

To J. S. E.

“Absent thee from felicity awhile”—
Your voice, sonorous, lingers on the line,
I see the tender ardor of your smile
And meet your eyes that claim the thought in mine.
'Twould seem you answer only to the sound
Of Shakespeare's melody, your smile and eyes
Though lit with depth of meaning, have not found
The desolation that half hidden lies
Behind the genius of the perfect word;
But I, being woman, not alone to art,
But to the world's great loneliness am stirred,
Conscious of all the emptiness of heart
That I shall feel when you no more for me
With loyal love can make felicity!