“ALWAYS I KNOW YOU ANEW”

I press my hands on my eyes

And will that you come to me.

Your semblances shimmer and rise;

Yet‘ tis never your self I see,

Never the exquisite grace

And the bright, still flame of you.

So, when I meet you face to face,

Always I know you anew!

Faint visions I saw, instead

Of your brows direct and wise,

Of the little lilt of your head

And your dark-lashed, sky-clear eyes,

Of the soft brown braids demure,

The poise as of quiet light,

The perfect profile, sweet and pure,—

Never I dream you aright!

And new in endless ways,

By your blessed heart unplanned,

It is mine to surprise each sweeter phase,

Adore you, and understand;

For through every delicious change in you

Truth burns with a clear still flame;

And, though always I know you anew,

Always I find you the same!