Five Years Ago

Five years ago to-day, since Death, thy friend,
Hushed all the music of thy noble life
With his long, icy kiss, and called thee wife;
And I am five years nearer to the end,
When with the stars and winds my life shall blend.
This loud and populous world to-day is rife
With thoughts of thee. O wild and tragic strife
Of one who wars with memories that rend!

Dear heart, which for so long beat close to mine.
Nor quailed before the darkness, and could bear
With bitterness and violence of despair,
Rest, in these later days, deep rest is thine;
And I, bereft of hope, too sad for prayer.
Still kneel, in soul, and worship at thy shrine.