Unto the white narcissus that you sent, Offering its timorous cheer at Christmas tide, A new and tender radiance is lent Since came the message saying you have died. There in the window—how you loved the light— I set it where the morning sun shines first, So like your happy face, star-eyed and bright With wonder. Like you for life athirst. Last night at dusk you passed me in the street, I turned—but there was no one there to call; And once the breakfast room grew swooning sweet With the remembered fragrance of your shawl. Almost I heard your step upon the stair, The silken frou-frou of your party dress, And in the shadow once your heavy hair Fell as it would, cloaking your loveliness. Not yet; perhaps when this your flower is dust I may admit that what they tell is true. But while your white narcissus blooms I must Refuse the door to death lest you slip through. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...CHAMBER MUSIC: 22 by JAMES JOYCE MARJORIE'S WOOING by EMMA LAZARUS GOOD-BYE DOROTHY GAYLE: HOME TO FARGO by KAREN SWENSON |