Spirit to Spirit

ÆONS, or centuries, or years ago —
We two were man and woman, thou and I,
On yon dear earth now swinging far below
The star-mists floating by.

But now we are two spirits, in the wide
Mysterious realm whereof all mortals dream;
The unknown country where the dead abide
Beyond the sunset gleam.

And I — I cannot find thee anywhere!
I roam from star to star in search of thee;
I wander through the boundless fields of air.
And by the crystal sea.

I scan all faces and I question all;
I breathe thy name to every wind that blows;
Through the wide silences I call and call —
But still the silence grows.

Dost thou remember how, one midnight drear.
We sat before a fading fire alone,
Dreaming young dreams the while the wan old year
Reeled from his trembling throne?

And thou didst whisper, “ Dear, from farthest skies,
From utmost space, my love shall summon thee
Though the grave-mould lie darkly on thine eyes.
To keep this tryst with me!”

Was it last year? O Love, I do not know!
The high gods count not time. We are as they.
All silently the tides of being flow;
A year is as a day!

I only know I cannot find thee, dear!
This mighty universe is all too wide;
Where art thou? In what far-removèd sphere
Is thought of me denied ?

New lives, new loves, new knowledge, and new laws!
I still remember. Does thy soul forget ?
Heart unto heart if love no longer draws,
Then the last seal is set!