A Memory

O how I loved you when we met For that one moment of the day! Yes, loved you desperately, and yet Could scarcely find a word to say— No wonder that you looked and smiled As though upon some timid child. You never guessed, how could you guess That I adored your loveliness!

You never saw the prisoned soul Behind the windows of my eyes, Frantic to break from fate's control And charm you with her flatteries . . . And show you, your cold heart to move, The shining treasure of her love, And worship in a long embrace, The reckless beauty of your face!

You never knew . . . and the dream died A broken rose beneath your feet . . . You went your way . . . the world is wide And I forgot, for youth is sweet . . . Yet when at night I lie awake, My heart is sad for a dream's sake, And I remember and regret . . . O how I loved you when we met!

 

 

 

 

The Photograph

O Beauty, what is this? A shadow of your face . . . Where is the wild flower grace That Love is wont to kiss?

Where is the bird that brings To your untroubled eyes The blue of fairy skies, The flash of fairy wings? . . .

O wild bird of delight, That no white hand may hold, Or fairest cage of gold . . . For who would stay its flight?

The song-bird of your voice Whose magic song Love hears, Trembling behind your tears, Trilling when you rejoice . . .

O Beauty, what is this? The shadow of a rose . . . A little ghost that goes Oblivious of Love's kiss.

Only a shadow . . . yet It may, in some dark hour Recall the living flower . . . If haply Love forget.

 

 

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