The One Question

This time last year we parted, — she and I.
"The day of meeting soon will come," we said;
And hand in hand, unto the last we stayed:
Then, when to love no more might love reply,
Starless to both became the star-lit sky.
And now, that longer parting has been made,
And she, released from love, in sleep is laid,
I stand where she stood, having said, " Good-by."

And as I come through paths she knew so well,
The winds cry out to me, " Where is she now?
What has Love done with her? Speak thou, and tell.''
"Where is she? " moans the streamlet in its flow.
"Where, where is all thou lovest?" fills the air;
And I, O God! I can but echo, " Where?"