The poems of Richard Henry Stoddard :: :: University of Virginia Library

Stoddard, Richard Henry (1825-1903)

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We parted in the streets of Ispahan.
I stopped my camel at the city gate;
Why did I stop? I left my heart behind.

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I heard the sighing of thy garden palms,
I saw the roses burning up with love,
I saw thee not: thou wert no longer there.

We parted in the streets of Ispahan.
A moon has passed since that unhappy day;
It seems an age: the days are long as years.

I send thee gifts by every caravan,
I send thee flasks of attar, spices, pearls,
I write thee loving songs on golden scrolls.

I meet the caravans when they return.
“What news?” I ask. The drivers shake their heads.
We parted in the streets of Ispahan.