Classic Poem

Dear, you have come into my loving heart
In these last fateful days,
Nearer and dearer, and I have learned in part
Your tender, wistful ways.

Thy gentle, loving thoughts have come to me
As one, who waiting, stands
Expectant for some gift of poesy
With eager heart and hands.

And oh! my very dear one, I have given
To thee that inner stream
Of tender thoughts linked happily with heaven,
Love's vision and Love's dream.

Such peace, such joy a moment seems to stay
'Ere other cares divide,
But its divine sense cannot fade away
On misty time or tide.

Beneath the dusky, wistful, soft, sweet night,
There in the shadowy lane
I gave thee thanks for all the dear delight
Thou broughtest me again.

And, hand and hand beneath the liquid stars.
Children in love we stood;
No longer prisoners behind the bars
Of sentient solitude; —

But happy that affection and regard
Might flow between us free
Each giving silently, save that one word
I whispered unto thee.

I love thee! and thou knowest it, and yet
This gift that we exchange
Has neither pain, nor sorrow, nor regret
Within its widening range.

My very dear one — take the love I give
Freely, — 'tis clear and fair,
It is the very hope by which I live
The one sweet dream I share.

For my heart fills with joy and tenderness
That cannot rest alone,
So take my love, and, if it be to bless,
Then give me of thine own.