IN THAT DARK SILENT HOUR

In that dark silent hour

When the wind wants power,

And in the black height

The sky wants light,

Stirless and black

In utter lack,

And not a sound

Escapes from that untroubled round:—

To wake then

In the dark, and ache then

Until the dark is gone —

Lonely, yet not alone;

Hearing another's breath

All the quiet beneath,

Knowing one sleeps near

That day held dear

And dreams held dear; but now

In this sharp moment — how

Share the moment's sweetness,

Forgo its completeness,

Nor be alone

Now the dark is grown

Spiritual and deep

More than in dreams and sleep?

O, it is pain,‘ tis need

That so will plead

For a little loneliness.

If it be pain to miss

Loved touch, look and lip,

Companionship

Yet is verier pain

Then, then

In that dark silent hour

When the wind wants power,

And you, near or far, sleep,

And your released thoughts toward me creep

While I, imprisoned, awake,

Ache — ache

To be for one

Long, little moment with myself alone.