LOST FOOTSTEPS

Upon the disc of Love's bright planet fell

A darkness yestereve, and from your lips

I heard cold words; then came a swift eclipse

Of joy at meeting on hope's it-is-well.

And if I spoke with sadness and with fear;

If from your gentle coldness I drew back,

And felt that I had lost the flowery track

That led to peace in Love's sweet atmosphere:

It was because a woful dread possessed.

My aching heart — the dread some evil star

Had crossed the warm affection in your breast,

Had bade me stand apart from where you are.

The world seemed breaking on my life; I heard

The crash of sorrows in that chiding word.