IMPATIENCE.

How can I wait until you come to me?

The once fleet mornings linger by the way,

Their sunny smiles touched with malicious glee

At my unrest; they seem to pause, and play

Like truant children, while I sigh and say,

How can I wait?

How can I wait? Of old, the rapid hours

Refused to pause or loiter with me long;

But now they idly fill their hands with flowers,

And make no haste, but slowly stroll among

The summer blooms, not heeding my one song,

How can I wait?

How can I wait? The nights alone are kind;

They reach forth to a future day, and bring

Sweet dreams of you to people all my mind;

And time speeds by on light and airy wing.

I feast upon your face, I no more sing,

How can I wait?

How can I wait? The morning breaks the spell

A pitying night has flung upon my soul.

You are not near me, and I know full well

My heart has need of patience and control;

Before we meet, hours, days, and weeks must roll.

How can I wait?

How can I wait? Oh, love, how can I wait

Until the sunlight of your eyes shall shine

Upon my world that seems so desolate?

Until your hand-clasp warms my blood like wine;

Until you come again, oh, love of mine,

How can I wait?