And when we found a shelter from the night
Its glamor fell upon us like a blow.
The clash of dishes and the viol and bow
Mingled beneath the fever of the light.
The heat was full of savors, and the bright
Laughter of women lured the wine to flow.
A little child ate nothing while she sat
Watching a woman at a table there
Learn to kiss beneath a drooping hat.
The hour went by, we rose and turned to go,
The somber street received us from the glare,
And once more on your shoulders fell the snow.
Their branches tinkle faintlyWith crystal melodies.The larches bend their silverOver the hush of snow;One star is lighted in the west,Two in the zenith glow.For a moment I have forgottenWars and women who mourn—I think of the mother who bore meAnd thank her that I was born.
I grow so tired I almost cease to care,And yet I would that he might come once more.It was the wind I heard, that mocks at me,The bitter wind that is more cruel than he;It was the wind that knocked upon the door,But he will never knock nor enter more.
Though you shall lean above me broken-hearted,I shall not care.I shall have peace, as leafy trees are peacefulWhen rain bends down the bough;And I shall be more silent and cold-heartedThan you are now.
It answered me with silence,Silence above.I asked the darkened seaDown where the fishermen go–It answered me with silence,Silence below.Oh, I could give him weeping,Or I could give him song–But how can I give silenceMy whole life long?
A broidery of lamps that lit for youThe steadfast splendor of enduring light.The moon drifts dimly in the heaven’s height,Watching with wonder how the earth she knewThat lay so long wrapped deep in dark and dew,Should wear upon her breast a star so white.The festivals of Babylon were darkWith flaring flambeaux that the wind blew…
The prancing dancing horsesAre passing by for us.The sunlight on the steeple,The toys we stop to see,The smiling passing peopleAre all for you and me.‘I love you and I love you!’–‘And oh, I love you, too!’–‘All of the flower girl’s liliesWere only grown for you!’Fifth Avenue and AprilAnd love and lack of care–The world is…
