Longing

I.

What of the loves that glow
    In the warm breast?
What of the hopes that grow
    Into unrest—
Hopes we may never know,
    Still unconfessed.

II.

What of the tears that well
    In the hid eyes?
What of the griefs that swell
    As they arise—
Griefs that we dare to tell
    Only by sighs.

III.

What of the looks that speak?
What of the changing cheek?
“Silent, my dear, and shy?”
Needless are words, and weak:
Into the depths I seek
Of they clear eye.

IV.

What of the hiding veils?
What of the doubt that quails
What of the yearning throe
“Love, shall I never know?”
What of the faith that fails?
What of the no-avails?

What of the hearts that break
For a sweet passion's sake?
O my own parted friend,
Over the distance send;
By thy soul-sympathy,
One little message dear,
Vapor of one small tear
Given to me.

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From Joy, and Other Poems, by Danske Dandridge. Second Edition. New York and London: G.P. Putnam's Sons - Knickerbocker Press, 1900.