Chapter I: Close Mine Eyes

I close mine eyes, and see you dear
As in the dear, dead days;
The tender grace, and strength of poise,
Marking you from the rest apart.
And oh! it seems as if I must
Enfold you to my heart.

I close mine eyes, and see you dear
As in the dear, dead days;
The hair’s soft fall over the brow,
Within your eyes love’s ardent light,
It cannot be! it cannot be!
My day has turned to night.

I close mine eyes, and see you dear
As in the dear, dead days;
Before love’s bitter aftermath
Whose penalty ’tis mine to know.
Oh! come to me from out its void!
_I need you so! I need you so._

UNDERSTANDING

You have not spoken the word, dear,
But I know! I know!
It came to me of a-sudden
How you loved me so!
A glance which escaped unguarded,
The truth made plain.
I’ve hugged its memory to me
Over, and over again!

You have not spoken the word, dear,
But I know! I know!
It came to me of a-sudden
How you loved me so!
A breath, with a catch in the taking,--
And my world, you see,
Became changed,--for I love you, dear!
As you love me!

WE MET IN MAY

We met in May, I know you have forgotten,
Have long since put all thought of me away;
Yet in my heart the mem’ry ever lingers,--
We met in May.

Fragrant the air with redolence of blossom!
Matchless the sky of perfect, cloudless blue!
And oh! the music that the world was ringing--
When I met you.

Another has your fancy from me captured;
Her lot,--Fate’s tenderer impulse to know.
Whilst I, adown the years waiting the facing,
Alone, must go.

No thought is mine save that bequeaths a blessing;--
God grant your life be a long, happy day.
You have forgotten, but I must remember,--
We met in May.