Slowly burns the fire, its hot wrath spent,
While over the gray ashes creeps a chill;
For all the room is silent since you went,
And still;
I could not hope to keep you for alway,
Love's source was drained, it could not stand the test;
And yet, like threads of flame, my memories sway,
Rise up and will not rest.
'Twas such a trifle that aroused distrust,
And took your hands from mine, biding me go,
Yet all the while I knelt here in the dust,
And loved you so;
But oh, tonight, just touch my lips, and lean
Your head upon my breast, and let us be
As we once were ere doubting came between
The Me and Thee;
The embers dully glow, and through the grate
The hot coals drop into a cool retreat;
Be mine again! Fain would I laugh at Fate . . .
And kiss your feet.
