THE GLIMPSE

She sped through the door

And, following in haste,

And stirred to the core,

I entered hot-faced;

But I could not find her,

No sign was behind her.

“Where is she?” I said:

- “Who?” they asked that sat there;

“Not a soul's come in sight.”

- “A maid with red hair.”

- “Ah.” They paled. “She is dead.

People see her at night,

But you are the first

On whom she has burst

In the keen common light.”

It was ages ago,

When I was quite strong:

I have waited since,— O,

I have waited so long!

- Yea, I set me to own

The house, where now lone

I dwell in void rooms

Booming hollow as tombs!

But I never come near her,

Though nightly I hear her.

And my cheek has grown thin

And my hair has grown gray

With this waiting therein;

But she still keeps away!