In my heart a little pain
Grows into a soft-breathed sigh
As I touch your hand again.

Eyes seek eyes for joy in vain,
But my lips with smiles defy
In my heart a little pain.

On your mouth, of pity fain,
Jests, a little bitter, die
As I touch your hand again;

And the hope we thought was slain
Wakens with a clinging cry
In my heart a little pain.

I can hear a phantom strain
Of our buried love draw nigh
As I touch your hand again.

Time, my dear, has made us sane;
Yet there lingers, — who knows why?
In my heart a little pain
As I touch your hand again.