FEAR

I know where lurk

The eyes of Fear;

I, I alone,

Where shadowy-clear,

Watching for me,

Lurks Fear.

‘ Tis ever still

And dark, despite

All singing and

All candlelight,

‘ Tis ever cold,

And night.

He touches me;

Says quietly,

“Stir not, nor whisper,

I am nigh;

Walk noiseless on,

I am by!”

He drives me

As a dog a sheep;

Like a cold stone

I cannot weep.

He lifts me

Hot from sleep

In marble hands

To where on high

The jewelled horror

Of his eye

Dares me to struggle

Or cry.

No breast wherein

To chase away

That watchful shape!

Vain, vain to say

“Haunt not with night

The Day!”