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So near at hand ( our eyes o'erlooked its nearness

In search of distant things )

A dear dream lay — perchance to grow in dearness

Had we but felt its wings

Astir. The air our very breathing fanned

It was so near at hand.

Once, many days ago, we almost held it,

The love we so desired;

But our shut eyes saw not, and fate dispelled it

Before our pulses fired

To flame, and errant fortune bade us stand

Hand almost touching hand.

I sometimes think had we two been discerning,

The by-path hid away

From others’ eyes had then revealed its turning

To us, nor led astray

Our footsteps, guiding us into love's land

That lay so near at hand.

So near at hand, dear heart, could we have known it!

Throughout those dreamy hours,

Had either loved, or loving had we shown it,

Response had sure been ours;

We did not know that heart could heart command,

And love so near at hand!

What then availed the red wine's subtle glisten?

We passed it blindly by,

And now what profit that we wait and listen

Each for the other's heart beat? Ah! the cry

Of love o'erlooked still lingers, you and I

Sought heaven afar, we did not understand

‘ Twas — once so near at hand.