THE SOUL

I laid a rose upon my loved one’s bier Beside her quiet face; A red rose, scented with the fadeless year When Love’s eyes met us in the noonday clear In a fair place. I set it very softly down to lie Amid her heavy hair; And then, methought, the Soul that hovered by Looked towards me through the dimness with a sigh As I stood there. I laid my empty world upon the pyre, Beside her open hand; A world that life had stocked with youth and fire, Fortune and fame and wealth and world’s desire, And strength to stand. She knew each aim, fulfilled or unfulfilled, That ever had been mine; And then, methought, the Soul above her willed Towards me through the dusk, a whisper stilled, Whisper or sign? I laid my heart upon my loved one’s breast, Beside her silent heart; Sorrow and vigil shared, the worst, the best, All, all it held she knew who lay at rest, Till we did part. Ah me! it seemed as if her pale lips shook With pity as she lay, As though she wore that unforgotten look; And then, methought, the Soul came down and took My heart away.