Part 8

For W. P.

The little park was filled with peace, The walks were carpeted with snow, But every iron gate was locked. Lest if we entered, peace would go.

We circled it a dozen times, The wind was blowing from the sea, I only felt your restless eyes Whose love was like a cloak for me.

Oh heavy gates that fate has locked To bar the joy we may not win, Peace would go out forevermore If we should dare to enter in.

In the Metropolitan Museum

Within the tiny Pantheon We stood together silently, Leaving the restless crowd awhile As ships find shelter from the sea.

The ancient centuries came back To cover us a moment's space, And thro' the dome the light was glad Because it shone upon your face.

Ah, not from Rome but farther still, Beyond sun-smitten Salamis, The moment took us, till you stooped To find the present with a kiss.

Coney Island

Why did you bring me here? The sand is white with snow, Over the wooden domes The winter sea-winds blow-- There is no shelter near, Come, let us go.

With foam of icy lace The sea creeps up the sand, The wind is like a hand That strikes us in the face. Doors that June set a-swing Are bolted long ago; We try them uselessly-- Alas, there cannot be For us a second spring; Come, let us go.

Union Square

With the man I love who loves me not, I walked in the street-lamps' flare; We watched the world go home that night In a flood through Union Square.

I leaned to catch the words he said That were light as a snowflake falling; Ah well that he never leaned to hear The words my heart was calling.

And on we walked and on we walked Past the fiery lights of the picture shows-- Where the girls with thirsty eyes go by On the errand each man knows.

And on we walked and on we walked, At the door at last we said good-bye; I knew by his smile he had not heard My heart's unuttered cry.

With the man I love who loves me not I walked in the street-lamps' flare-- But oh, the girls who can ask for love In the lights of Union Square.

Central Park at Dusk

Buildings above the leafless trees Loom high as castles in a dream, While one by one the lamps come out To thread the twilight with a gleam.

There is no sign of leaf or bud, A hush is over everything-- Silent as women wait for love, The world is waiting for the spring.

Young Love

I cannot heed the words they say, The lights grow far away and dim, Amid the laughing men and maids My eyes unbidden seek for him.

I hope that when he smiles at me He does not guess my joy and pain, For if he did, he is too kind To ever look my way again.

I have a secret in my heart No ears have ever heard, And still it sings there day by day Most like a caged bird.

And when it beats against the bars, I do not set it free, For I am happier to know It only sings for me.

III

I wrote his name along the beach, I love the letters so. Far up it seemed and out of reach, For still the tide was low.

But oh, the sea came creeping up, And washed the name away, And on the sand where it had been A bit of sea-grass lay.