In passing

I pass by your house today,

And in passing I saw your shadow appear,

Then turn as if to stay, and half disappear,

Retreat slowly away.

 

As if in haste you had to go,

And may seek to find another illusive time,

Opportunity to come again into my mind,

If passing the same way tomorrow.

 

You leave the vestment of your shadow,

To perfumed the air,

And if the thoughts I have of you should go,

And wearily disappear.

 

I will remember when I grieve,

That you were distinctly here,

Passing amidst the realm I leave,

To turn in silence and upon your beauty stare.

 

To think about the shadow I have seen,

And all the sleepless hours through the night,

Your shadow reflect the moonlight,

Of the vision that should have been in my dream.

 

I will arise and come to you softly again,

Passing by your house in the patient breeze,

And in darkness, I shall have some peace,

When I see you as you were in my dream.