IN THE CAR

We paused to say good-by,

As we thought for a little while,

Alone in the car, in the corner

Around the turn of the aisle.

A quiver came in your voice,

Your eyes were sorrowful too;

‘ Twas over — I strode to the doorway,

Then turned to wave an adieu.

But you had not come from the corner,

And though I had gone so far,

I retraced, and faced you coming

Into the aisle of the car.

You stopped as one who was caught

In an evil mood by surprise.—

I want to forget, I am trying

To forget the look in your eyes.

Your face was blank and cold,

Like Lot's wife turned to salt.

I suddenly trapped and discovered

Your soul in a hidden fault.

Your eyes were tearless and wide,

And your wide eyes looked on me

Like a Maenad musing murder,

Or the mask of Melpomene.

And there in a flash of lightning

I learned what I never could prove:

That your heart contained no sorrow,

And your heart contained no love.

And my heart is light and heavy,

And this is the reason why:

I am glad we parted forever,

And sad for the last good-by.