Lovers

I thought, because we had been friends so long,

That I knew all your dear lips dared intend

Before they dawned to speech. Our thoughts would blend,

I dreamed, like memories that faintly throng.

Your voice dwelt in me like an olden song.

Petal, I thought, from petal I could rend

The blossom of your soul, and at the end

Find still the same sweet fragrance. I was wrong.

Last evening in our eyes love brimmed to birth;

Our friendship faded, lost in passion's mist.

We had been strangers only! Here, close-caught

Against my heart the dim face I had sought

So long! And now the only thing on earth—

Your piteous mouth, a-tremble to be kissed!