THE FIREFLIES, twinkling among leaves
make the stars wonder.

I FORGOT myself for a moment, and I came.
        But raise your eyes, and let me know if there still linger some shadow of other days, like a pale cloud on the horizon that has been robbed of its rain.
        For a moment bear with me if I forget myself.
The roses are still in bud; they do not yet know how we neglect to gather flowers this summer.
        The morning star has the same palpitating hush; the early light is enmeshed in the branches that overbrow your window, as in those other days.
        That times are changed I forget for a little, and have come.
I forget if you ever shamed me by looking away when I bared my heart.
        I only remember the words that stranded on the tremor of your lips; I remember in your dark eyes sweeping shadows of passion, like the wings of a home-seeking bird in the dusk.
        I forget that you do not remember, and I come.

IF THEY ANSWER not to thy call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou of evil luck,
open thy mind and speak out alone.
If they turn away, and desert you when crossing the wilderness,
O thou of evil luck,
trample the thorns under thy tread,
and along the blood-lined track travel alone.
If they do not hold up the light
when the night is troubled with storm,
O thou of evil luck,
with the thunder flame of pain ignite thine own heart
and let it burn alone.