University of Virginia Library


458

IF ONCE, JUST ONCE.

Why do I never see you in my dreams?
The lips are cold that you no longer kiss;
And missing you, the Universe I miss.
The far stars lure me with evasive gleams,
But no new Joy the dead Past's pledge redeems.
Though you have found a larger world than this,
Can you not spare one hour from that wide bliss?
Why do I never see you in my dreams?
One little touch, and I should know you near,—
One whispered word would wake my soul from sleep,
And all I thought was dead, alive would be,
Saved from the blank forgetfulness I fear,—
Immortal then your image I could keep,
If once, just once, you would come back to me.