Love and Death

I have seen death 
Through my own eyes (such ignorant eyes they were): 
I saw the care 
Fade out of old blue eyes, and saw the pain 
Go from pressed lips, and saw the kind old face 
A young man's face under its tossed gray hair; 
And, with no will to let the tears loose there. 
Since he had done with suffering and scathe, 
I left his sleeping-place. 

I have seen death 
Through your eyes, Love: I who had never seen 
(Alas! ) 
Her living face, saw her dead face serene, 
Darkly, as in a glass; 
My thought went after yours 
Past all those quiet doors 
Where the sick slumbered, stepping without sound. 
For it was holy ground: 
And found 
Your Mildred where she lay among her flowers 
Dead so few hours. 
The cup was at your lips alone to take. 
But, Dear, my mouth was bitter for your sake. 

I have seen love: 
Beautiful, Dear, and strange all dreams above. 
I saw him two years since and heard his name, 
And walking in his shadow. Dear, you came. 
You came and took my hands, and kissed, and drew 
Me to your world from mine that waited you. 

I have seen love; 
His eyes of unimagined laughter and tears: 
Like weeds about his lovely loitering feet 
I've seen the growing fears, 
I've seen the hopes stand tall as meadow sweet. 
And I will gather all into a sheaf — 
His quick- grown flowers of joy heart-high that 
grow,
His pansies with their purple heads bent low, 
His crowns-imperial of fear and grief. 

I have seen love: 
And shall not lose the vision till I die; 
I have seen love and love you utterly. 
I put beneath your feet 
My love to blossom out in violets sweet. 
I put it on your arm 
To be a token to you, and a charm, 
I put it on your breast — 
A talisman that shall not ever change 
Though my moods range. 
The roof of my heart's house shall alter so. 
The walls expand and grow, 
But no change touch the Love that is my guest.