I TURN ME DOWN A LIGHTED WAY

I TURN me down a lighted way Where laughter rings and song floats out; And, as I gain the happy throng, All eagerly they flock about. I smile on this side, and on that, Join the gay flow of repartee: Yet, deep, deep down, within my heart Echoes the endless moan for thee. I hark to him who compliments, Within my eyes a sparkling light. I play the game,—nor does he guess Its fire has burned to ashes white. They count me merriest of all. Not one who notes the deep-down sigh, Who lists—Life’s tragic undertone,— We’ve said good-bye—we’ve said good-bye.