Life in Memory

As when two lovers in one room have been
Alone together for a rapturous space,
Hand lock'd in hand, face resting against face.
She says, " Farewell! " and, gone, the man, unseen.
Tarries behind, where sat with him his queen;
There, of her love recalling all the grace.
His arms her quivering body re-embrace:
Once more, his lips upon her dear lips lean, —

So in the past, left lovely from thy love.
Lit by sad lights of memories that shine.
Holy as lamps that burn before a shrine.
My spirit from the whole world stands aloof;
Yea, and shall dwell so till Death takes it where
No grief is bitter and no memory fair.