THE RETURN

I lost Young Love so long ago

I had forgot him quite,

Until a little lass and lad

Went by my door to-night.

Ah, hand in hand, but not alone,

They passed my open door,

For with them walked that other one

Who paused here Mays before.

And I, who had forgotten long,

Knew suddenly the grace

Of one who in an empty land

Beholds a kinsman's face.

Oh, Young Love, gone these many years,

‘ Twas you came back to-night,

And laid your hand on my two eyes

That they might see aright,

And took my listless hand in yours

( Your hands without a stain ),

And touched me on my tired heart

That it might beat again.