DISILLUSION

I WROTE the burning words to you

That meant so much to me.

I sent them speeding straight to you,

To you across the sea;

I waited with sure reckoning

For your reply to me.

I waited, and the counted day

Fruitlessly came and went;

I made excuse for the delay,

Pitiable confident.

I knew to-morrow's light must bring

The words you must have sent.

And still I stand on that dim verge

And look across the sea;

The waves have changed into a dirge

Their volubility.

And in my disillusioned heart

Is a little grave for me.

But still with shaded eyes I gaze

As mournfully I sing,

And one by one the trailing days,

As they no message bring,

Fall with their slow monotony

As beads fall from a string.