 | The Complete Works of James Whitcomb Riley |  |
658
SUSPENSE
A woman's figure, on a ground of nightInlaid with sallow stars that dimly stare
Down in the lonesome eyes, uplifted there
As in vague hope some alien lance of light
Might pierce their woe. The tears that blind her sight—
The salt and bitter blood of her despair—
Her hands toss back through torrents of her hair
And grip toward God with anguish infinite.
And O the carven mouth, with all its great
Intensity of longing frozen fast
In such a smile as well may designate
The slowly murdered heart, that, to the last,
Conceals each newer wound, and back at Fate
Throbs Love's eternal lie—“Lo, I can wait!”
| The Complete Works of James Whitcomb Riley | |