'Who knocks?' 'I, who was beautiful, Beyond all dreams to restore, I, from the roots of the dark thorn am hither. And knock on the door.' 'Who speaks?' 'I -- once was my speech Sweet as the bird's on the air, When echo lurks by the waters to heed; 'Tis I speak thee fair.' 'Dark is the hour!' 'Ay, and cold.' 'Lone is my house.' 'Ah, but mine?' 'Sight, touch, lips, eyes yearned in vain.' 'Long dead these to thine. . .' Silence. Still faint on the porch Brake the flames of the stars. In gloom groped a hope-wearied hand Over keys, bolts, and bars. A face peered. All the grey night In chaos of vacancy shone; Nought but vast sorrow was there -- The sweet cheat gone. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...EPITAPH: FOR A LADY I KNOW by COUNTEE CULLEN AT CASTERBRIDGE FAIR: 1. THE BALLAD-SINGER by THOMAS HARDY THE SOUND OF THE SEA; SONNET by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW THE VICTOR AT ANTIETAM [SEPTEMBER 17, 1862] by HERMAN MELVILLE HONEY DRIPPING FROM THE COMB by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY CORYDON - A PASTORAL by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH COMPANY COMMANDER by GUILLAUME APOLLINAIRE |