LINGERING

I lingered still when you were gone,

When tryst and trust were o'er,

While memory like a wounded swan

In sorrow sung love's lore.

I lingered till the whippoorwill

Had cried delicious pain

Over the wild-wood — in its thrill

I heard your voice again.

I lingered and the mellow breeze

Blew to me sweetly dewed —

Its touch awoke the sorceries

Your last caresses brewed.

But when the night with silent start

Had sown her starry seed,

The harvest which sprang in my heart

Was loneliness and need.