Dreamers and Other Poems

<p><SPAN name="THE_GRIEF" id="THE_GRIEF"></SPAN>THE GRIEF</p> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">The heart of me's an empty thing, that never stirs at all</span><br/> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">For Moon-shine or Spring-time, or a far bird's call.</span><br/> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">I only know 'tis living by a grief that shakes it so,&mdash;</span><br/> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">Like an East wind in Autumn, when the old nests blow.</span><br/> <br/> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">Grey Eyes and Black Hair, 'tis never you I blame.</span><br/> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">'Tis long years and easy years since last I spoke your name.</span><br/> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">And I'm long past the knife-thrust I got at wake or fair.</span><br/> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">Or looking past the lighted door and fancying you there.</span><br/> <br/> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">Grey Eyes and Black Hair&mdash;the grief is never this;</span><br/> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">I've long forgot the soft arms&mdash;the first, wild kiss.</span><br/> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">But, Oh, girl that tore my youth,&mdash;'tis this I have to bear,&mdash;</span><br/> <span style="margin-left: 2em;"><i>If you were kneeling at my feet I'd neither stay nor care.</i></span><br/> <hr style="width: 65%;" /> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />