TERRE PROMISE

Even now the fragrant darkness of her hair

Had brushed my cheek; and once, in passing by,

Her hand upon my hand lay tranquilly:

What things unspoken trembled in the air!

Always I know, how little severs me

From mine heart's country, that is yet so far;

And must I lean and long across a bar,

That half a word would shatter utterly?

Ah might it be, that just by touch of hand,

Or speaking silence, shall the barrier fall;

And she shall pass, with no vain words at all,

But droop into mine arms, and understand!