I came back late and tired last night Into my little room,
To the long chair and the firelight And comfortable gloom.
But as I entered softly in I saw a woman there,
The line of neck and cheek and chin,
The darkness of her hair,
The form of one I did not know Sitting in my chair.
I stood a moment fierce and still,
Watching her neck and hair.
I made a step to her; and saw That there was no one there.
It was some trick of the firelight That made me see her there.
It was a chance of shade and light And the cushion in the chair.
Oh, all you happy over the earth,
That night, how could I sleep?
I lay and watched the lonely gloom;
And watched the moonlight
From wall to basin, round the room,
All night I could not sleep.
