Lovers

I thought, because we had been friends so long,

That I knew all your dear lips dared intend Before they dawned to speech.

Our thoughts would blend,

I dreamed, like memories that faintly throng.

Your voice dwelt in me like an olden song.

Petal,

I thought, from petal I could rend The blossom of your soul, and at the end Find still the same sweet fragrance.

I was wrong.

Last evening in our eyes love brimmed to birth;

Our friendship faded, lost in passion's mist.

We had been strangers only!

Here, close-caught Against my heart the dim face I had sought So long!

And now the only thing on earth— Your piteous mouth, a-tremble to be kissed!