I put her letter by, because, With dimming eyes, I needs must pause To fashion somewhat of her smile From memory, a little while; To feel again the gentle touch That made me wonder overmuch If such a soft caress of love Were not for ransomed ones above, Instead of for my earthly bliss— This handclasp sweeter than a kiss. I put her letter by a bit To muse and marvel over it, As something rare beyond the ken Of common thought and mortal men; As something that the tender years Have traced with not ungrateful tears. A sweet good-by, it is, to say She 'll meet me "later in the day." And still I wait! And still I wait! The years have gone—the day is late!— A shrine of myrtle for her dust— A letter yellowed with the rust Of tears—a prayer to understand Her signal from the Peaceful Land. I put her letter by!—I know Its promise will be kept, and, so, Through misty eyes my soul shall smile And wait in patience yet awhile. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...VICARIOUS ATONEMENT by RICHARD ALDINGTON IMAGINARY ANCESTORS: THE GIRAFFE WOMAN OF BURMA by MADELINE DEFREES A SUMMER'S GARDEN by ROBERT FROST CREDO by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: THE VILLAGE ATHEIST by EDGAR LEE MASTERS |