The Stranger

Never am I so alone

As when I walk among the crowd —

Blurred masks of stern or grinning stone,

Unmeaning eyes and voices loud.

Gaze dares not encounter gaze,…

Humbled, I turn my head aside;

When suddenly there is a face…

Pale, subdued and grievous-eyed.

Ah, I know that visage meek,

Those trembling lips, the eyes that shine

But turn from that which they would seek

With an air piteous, divine!

There is not a line or scar,

Seal of a sorrow or disgrace,

But I know like sigils are

Burned in my heart and on my face.

Speak! O speak! Thou art the one!

But thou hast passed with sad head bowed;

And never am I so alone

As when I walk among the crowd.