The Lost Name
THE voice of my true love is low
And exquisitely kind,
Warm as a flower, cold as snow--
I think it is the Wind.
My true love's face is white as mist
That moons have lingered on,
Yet rosy as a cloud, sun-kissed--
I think it is the Dawn.
The breath of my true love is sweet
As gardens at day's close
When dew and dark together meet--
I think it is a Rose.
My true love's heart is wild and shy
And folded from my sight,
A world, a star, a whispering sigh--
I think it is the Night.
My true love's name is lost to me,
The prey of dusty years,
But in the falling Rain I see
And know her by her tears!
The Lost Key
I Closed a chamber in my heart,
And locked the door for aye;
Then, lest my weakness traitor prove,
I threw the key away.
Twas well I did, for soon there came
A hand that gently knocked, '
Excuse me, madam,' said my heart, '
I fear the door is locked.'
No matter,' said the winning voice, '
You'll open it for me.' '
I cannot, madam,' said my heart, '
I've thrown away the key.'
She knocked awhile, then gaily tried
Her own keys one by one,
And sighed a little when she found
The lock would yield to none.
Yet, when her knocking ceased, 'twas I
Who sighed; and since that day
I've searched in dusty corners for
The key I threw away.
Sad One, Must You Weep
'SAD one, must you weep alway?
Youth's ill wedded with despair;
Ringless hand and robe of grey
Mock the charms which they declare.'
Sad and sweetly answered she,
'What are comely robes to me?
I would wear a grass green dress,
Dew pearls for my gems--no less
Now can comfort me.'
'Sweet, the shining of your hair
(All forgotten and undone)
Squanders 'neath the veil you wear
Gold whose loss bereaves the sun.'
Very sad and low said she,
'What is shining hair to me?
When from out the rain-wet mold
Kingcups borrow of its gold
Sweet and sweet 'twill be.'
'Love, O Love! your hand is chill
As a snowflake lost in spring,
Wild it flutters--then lies still
As a bird with prisoned wing!'
Sad and patient answered she,
'As a bird I would be free;
As the spring I would find birth
In the sweet, forgetful earth--
Pray you, let it be!'
