The Misers

We were so fearful lest we give too much

And thereby wrench the sweetness from the song,

Trembled to look too deep or kiss too long,

And stood aloof when we yearned most to touch.

Oh had we been content, less passionate

For Love s eternity we had not lost

The least of Love s eternal hours, whose cost

We never dreamed until it was too late.

So was life stripped of even memories

To meet that time when we had no desire,

That day we looked and turned away shamed eyes,

Seeing but ashes where had once been fire.

No splendid shadows of a well-lost heaven,

But tearful ghosts of kisses never given.

[42]