ToE。
Ihaverememberedbeautyinthenight，AgainstblacksilencesIwakedtoseeAshowerofsunlightoverItalyAndgreenRavellodreamingonherheight；
Ihaverememberedmusicinthedark，ThecleanswiftbrightnessofafugueofBach’s，AndrunningwatersingingontherocksWhenonceinEnglishwoodsIheardalark。
ButallrememberedbeautyisnomoreThanavaguepreludetothethoughtofyou——
YouaretherarestsoulIeverknew，Loverofbeauty，knightliestandbest；
Mythoughtsseekyouaswavesthatseektheshore，AndwhenIthinkofyou，Iamatrest。
PrefatoryNoteBesidenewpoems，thisbookcontainslyricstakenfrom"RiverstotheSea"，"HelenofTroyandOtherPoems"，andoneortwofromanearliervolume。
ContentsI
BarterTwilightNightSongatAmalfiTheLookAWinterNightACryGiftsButNottoMeSongatCapriChild，ChildLoveMePierrotWildAstersTheSongforColinFourWindsDebtFaultsBuriedLoveTheFountainIShallNotCareAfterPartingAPrayerSpringNightMayWindTidesAfterLoveNewLoveandOldTheKissSwansTheRiverNovemberSpringRainTheGhostSummerNight，RiversideJewelsII
Interlude：SongsoutofSorrowI。Spirit’sHouseII。MasteryIII。LessonsIV。WisdomV。InaBuryingGroundVI。WoodSongVII。RefugeIII
TheFlightDewTo—nightEbbTideIWouldLiveinYourLoveBecauseTheTreeofSongTheGiverAprilSongTheWandererTheYearsEnoughComeJoyRichesDuskinWarTimePeaceMoodsHousesofDreamsLights"IAmNotYours"
DoubtTheWindMorningOtherMenEmbersMessageTheLampIV
ANovemberNightLoveSongsI
BarterLifehaslovelinesstosell，Allbeautifulandsplendidthings，Bluewaveswhitenedonacliff，Soaringfirethatswaysandsings，Andchildren’sfaceslookingupHoldingwonderlikeacup。
Lifehaslovelinesstosell，Musiclikeacurveofgold，Scentofpinetreesintherain，Eyesthatloveyou，armsthathold，Andforyourspirit’sstilldelight，Holythoughtsthatstarthenight。
Spendallyouhaveforloveliness，Buyitandnevercountthecost；
ForonewhitesinginghourofpeaceCountmanyayearofstrifewelllost，AndforabreathofecstasyGiveallyouhavebeen，orcouldbe。
TwilightDreamilyovertheroofsThecoldspringrainisfalling；
OutinthelonelytreeAbirdiscalling，calling。
SlowlyovertheearthThewingsofnightarefalling；
MyheartlikethebirdinthetreeIscalling，calling，calling。
NightSongatAmalfiIaskedtheheavenofstarsWhatIshouldgivemylove——
Itansweredmewithsilence，Silenceabove。
IaskedthedarkenedseaDownwherethefishersgo——
Itansweredmewithsilence，Silencebelow。
Oh，Icouldgivehimweeping，OrIcouldgivehimsong——
ButhowcanIgivesilence，Mywholelifelong？
TheLookStrephonkissedmeinthespring，Robininthefall，ButColinonlylookedatmeAndneverkissedatall。
Strephon’skisswaslostinjest，Robin’slostinplay，ButthekissinColin’seyesHauntsmenightandday。
AWinterNightMywindow—paneisstarredwithfrost，Theworldisbittercoldto—night，Themooniscruel，andthewindIslikeatwo—edgedswordtosmite。
Godpityallthehomelessones，Thebeggarspacingtoandfro，Godpityallthepoorto—nightWhowalkthelamp—litstreetsofsnow。
MyroomislikeabitofJune，Warmandclose—curtainedfoldonfold，Butsomewhere，likeahomelesschild，Myheartiscryinginthecold。
ACryOh，thereareeyesthathecansee，Andhandstomakehishandsrejoice，ButtomyloverImustbeOnlyavoice。
Oh，therearebreaststobearhishead，Andlipswhereonhislipscanlie，ButImustbetillIamdeadOnlyacry。
GiftsIgavemyfirstlovelaughter，Igavemysecondtears，IgavemythirdlovesilenceThroughalltheyears。
Myfirstlovegavemesinging，Mysecondeyestosee，Butoh，itwasmythirdloveWhogavemysoultome。
ButNottoMeTheAprilnightisstillandsweetWithflowersoneverytree；
Peacecomestothemonquietfeet，Butnottome。
MypeaceishiddeninhisbreastWhereIshallneverbe；
Lovecomesto—nighttoalltherest，Butnottome。
SongatCapriWhenbeautygrowstoogreattobearHowshallIeasemeofitsache，ForbeautymorethanbitternessMakestheheartbreak。
NowwhileIwatchthedreamingseaWithisleslikeflowersagainstherbreast，OnlyonevoiceinalltheworldCouldgivemerest。
Child，ChildChild，child，lovewhileyoucanThevoiceandtheeyesandthesoulofaman；
Neverfearthoughitbreakyourheart——
Outofthewoundnewjoywillstart；
Onlyloveproudlyandgladlyandwell，Thoughlovebeheavenorlovebehell。
Child，child，lovewhileyoumay，Forlifeisshortasahappyday；
Neverfearthethingyoufeel——
Onlybyloveislifemadereal；
Love，forthedeadlysinsareseven，Onlythroughlovewillyouenterheaven。
LoveMeBrown—thrushsingingalldaylongIntheleavesaboveme，TakemylovethisAprilsong，"Loveme，loveme，loveme！"
Whenheharkenswhatyousay，Bidhim，lesthemissme，Leavehisworkorleavehisplay，Andkissme，kissme，kissme！
PierrotPierrotstandsinthegardenBeneathawaningmoon，AndonhislutehefashionsAfragilesilvertune。
Pierrotplaysinthegarden，Hethinksheplaysforme，ButIamquiteforgottenUnderthecherrytree。
Pierrotplaysinthegarden，AndalltherosesknowThatPierrotloveshismusic，——
ButIlovePierrot。
WildAstersInthespringIaskedthedaisiesIfhiswordsweretrue，Andtheclever，clear—eyeddaisiesAlwaysknew。
Nowthefieldsarebrownandbarren，Bitterautumnblows，AndofallthestupidastersNotoneknows。
TheSongforColinIsangasongatduskingtimeBeneaththeeveningstar，AndTerencelefthislatestrhymeToanswerfromafar。
Pierrotlaiddownhislutetoweep，Andsighed，"Shesingsforme。"
ButColinsleptacarelesssleepBeneathanappletree。
FourWinds"Fourwindsblowingthroughthesky，Youhaveseenpoormaidensdie，TellmethenwhatIshalldoThatmylovermaybetrue。"
Saidthewindfromoutthesouth，"Laynokissuponhismouth，"
Andthewindfromoutthewest，"Woundtheheartwithinhisbreast，"
Andthewindfromouttheeast，"Sendhimemptyfromthefeast，"
Andthewindfromoutthenorth，"Inthetempestthrusthimforth；
Whenthouartmorecruelthanhe，ThenwillLovebekindtothee。"
DebtWhatdoIowetoyouWholovedmedeepandlong？
YounevergavemyspiritwingsOrgavemyheartasong。
Butoh，tohimIloved，Wholovedmenotatall，IowetheopengateThatledthroughheaven’swall。
FaultsTheycametotellyourfaultstome，Theynamedthemoveronebyone；
Ilaughedaloudwhentheyweredone，Iknewthemallsowellbefore，——
Oh，theywereblind，tooblindtoseeYourfaultshadmademeloveyoumore。
BuriedLoveIhavecometoburyLoveBeneathatree，IntheforesttallandblackWherenonecansee。
Ishallputnoflowersathishead，Norstoneathisfeet，ForthemouthIlovedsomuchWasbittersweet。
Ishallgonomoretohisgrave，Forthewoodsarecold。
IshallgatherasmuchofjoyAsmyhandscanhold。
IshallstayalldayinthesunWherethewidewindsblow，——
Butoh，IshallcryatnightWhennonewillknow。
TheFountainAllthroughthedeepbluenightThefountainsangalone；
ItsangtothedrowsyheartOfthesatyrcarvedinstone。
Thefountainsangandsang，Butthesatyrneverstirred——
OnlythegreatwhitemoonIntheemptyheavenheard。
ThefountainsangandsangWhileonthemarblerimThemilk—whitepeacocksslept，Andtheirdreamswerestrangeanddim。
Brightdewwasonthegrass，Andontheilex，dew，Thedreamymilk—whitebirdsWerealla—glisten，too。
ThefountainsangandsangThethingsonecannottell；
ThedreamingpeacocksstirredAndthegleamingdew—dropsfell。
IShallNotCareWhenIamdeadandovermebrightAprilShakesoutherrain—drenchedhair，Thoughyoushouldleanabovemebroken—hearted，Ishallnotcare。
Ishallhavepeace，asleafytreesarepeacefulWhenrainbendsdownthebough，AndIshallbemoresilentandcold—heartedThanyouarenow。
AfterPartingOh，IhavesownmylovesowideThathewillfinditeverywhere；
Itwillawakehiminthenight，Itwillenfoldhimintheair。
IsetmyshadowinhissightAndIhavewingeditwithdesire，Thatitmaybeacloudbyday，Andinthenightashaftoffire。
APrayerUntilIlosemysoulandlieBlindtothebeautyoftheearth，Deafthoughshoutingwindgoesby，Dumbinastormofmirth；
UntilmyheartisquenchedatlengthAndIhaveleftthelandofmen，Oh，letmelovewithallmystrengthCarelessifIamlovedagain。
SpringNightTheparkisfilledwithnightandfog，Theveilsaredrawnabouttheworld，ThedrowsylightsalongthepathsAredimandpearled。
Goldandgleamingtheemptystreets，Goldandgleamingthemistylake，Themirroredlightslikesunkenswords，Glimmerandshake。
Oh，isitnotenoughtobeHerewiththisbeautyoverme？
Mythroatshouldachewithpraise，andI
Shouldkneelinjoybeneaththesky。
O，beauty，areyounotenough？
WhyamIcryingafterlove，Withyouth，asingingvoice，andeyesTotakeearth’swonderwithsurprise？
WhyhaveIputoffmypride，WhyamIunsatisfied，——
I，forwhomthepensivenightBindshercloudyhairwithlight，——
I，forwhomallbeautyburnsLikeincenseinamillionurns？
Obeauty，areyounotenough？
WhyamIcryingafterlove？
MayWindIsaid，"IhaveshutmyheartAsoneshutsanopendoor，ThatLovemaystarvethereinAndtroublemenomore。"
ButovertheroofstherecameThewetnewwindofMay，AndatuneblewupfromthecurbWherethestreet—pianosplay。
MyroomwaswhitewiththesunAndLovecriedoutinme，"Iamstrong，IwillbreakyourheartUnlessyousetmefree。"
TidesLoveinmyheartwasafreshtideflowingWherethestarlikeseagullssoar；
ThesunwaskeenandthefoamwasblowingHighontherockyshore。
Butnowintheduskthetideisturning，Lowertheseagullssoar，AndthewavesthatroseinresistlessyearningArebrokenforevermore。
AfterLoveThereisnomagicanymore，Wemeetasotherpeopledo，YouworknomiracleformeNorIforyou。
YouwerethewindandIthesea——
Thereisnosplendoranymore，IhavegrownlistlessasthepoolBesidetheshore。
ButthoughthepoolissafefromstormAndfromthetidehasfoundsurcease，Itgrowsmorebitterthanthesea，Forallitspeace。
NewLoveandOldInmyhearttheoldloveStruggledwiththenew；
ItwasghostlywakingAllnightthrough。
Dearthings，kindthings，Thatmyoldlovesaid，RangedthemselvesreproachfullyRoundmybed。
ButIcouldnotheedthem，ForIseemedtoseeTheeyesofmynewloveFixedonme。
Oldlove，oldlove，HowcanIbetrue？
ShallIbefaithlesstomyselfOrtoyou？
TheKissIhopedthathewouldloveme，Andhehaskissedmymouth，ButIamlikeastrickenbirdThatcannotreachthesouth。
ForthoughIknowhelovesme，To—nightmyheartissad；
HiskisswasnotsowonderfulAsallthedreamsIhad。
SwansNightisoverthepark，andafewbravestarsLookonthelightsthatlinkitwithchainsofgold，ThelakebearsuptheirreflectioninbrokenbarsThatseemtooheavyfortremulouswatertohold。
Wewatchtheswansthatsleepinashadowyplace，Andnowandagainonewakesandupliftsitshead；
Howstillyouare——yourgazeisonmyface——
Wewatchtheswansandneverawordissaid。
TheRiverIcamefromthesunnyvalleysAndsoughtfortheopensea，ForIthoughtinitsgrayexpansesMypeacewouldcometome。
IcameatlasttotheoceanAndfounditwildandblack，AndIcriedtothewindlessvalleys，"Bekindandtakemeback！"
Butthethirstytideraninland，Andthesaltwavesdrankofme，AndIwhowasfreshastherainfallAmbitterasthesea。
NovemberTheworldistired，theyearisold，Thefadingleavesaregladtodie，ThewindgoesshiveringwithcoldWherethebrownreedsaredry。
Ourloveisdyinglikethegrass，Andwewhokissedgrowcoldlykind，HalfgladtoseeouroldlovepassLikeleavesalongthewind。
SpringRainIthoughtIhadforgotten，ButitallcamebackagainTo—nightwiththefirstspringthunderInarushofrain。
IrememberedadarkeneddoorwayWherewestoodwhilethestormsweptby，ThundergrippingtheearthAndlightningscrawledonthesky。
Thepassingmotorbussesswayed，Forthestreetwasariverofrain，LashedintolittlegoldenwavesInthelamplight’sstain。
WiththewildspringrainandthunderMyheartwaswildandgay；
YoureyessaidmoretomethatnightThanyourlipswouldeversay……
IthoughtIhadforgotten，ButitallcamebackagainTo—nightwiththefirstspringthunderInarushofrain。
TheGhostIwentbacktotheclangingcity，Iwentbackwheremyoldlovesstayed，Butmyheartwasfullofmynewlove’sglory，Myeyeswerelaughingandunafraid。
ImetonewhohadlovedmemadlyAndtoldhisloveforalltohear——
Butwetalkedofathousandthingstogether，Thepastwasburiedtoodeeptofear。
Imettheother，whoselovewasgivenWithneverakissandscarcelyaword——
Oh，itwasthentheterrortookmeOfwordsunutteredthatbreathedandstirred。
Oh，lovethatlivesitslifewithlaughterOrlovethatlivesitslifewithtearsCandie——butlovethatisneverspokenGoeslikeaghostthroughthewindingyears……
Iwentbacktotheclangingcity，Iwentbackwheremyoldlovesstayed，Myheartwasfullofmynewlove’sglory，——
Butmyeyesweresuddenlyafraid。
SummerNight，RiversideInthewild，softsummerdarknessHowmanyandmanyanightwetwotogetherSatintheparkandwatchedtheHudsonWearingherlightslikegoldenspanglesGlintingonblacksatin。
TherailalongthecurvingpathwayWaslowinahappyplacetoletuscross，AnddownthehillatreethatdrippedwithbloomShelteredus，Whileyourkissesandtheflowers，Falling，falling，Tangledmyhair……
Thefrailwhitestarsmovedslowlyoverthesky。
Andnow，faroffInthefragrantdarknessThetreeistremulousagainwithbloom，ForJunecomesback。
To—nightwhatgirlDreamilybeforehermirrorshakesfromherhairThisyear’sblossoms，clinginginitscoils？
JewelsIfIshouldseeyoureyesagain，Iknowhowfartheirlookwouldgo——
BacktoamorningintheparkWithsapphireshadowsonthesnow。
OrbacktooaktreesinthespringWhenyouunloosedmyhairandkissedTheheadthatlayagainstyourkneesIntheleafshadow’samethyst。
AndstillanothershiningplaceWewouldremember——howthedunWildmountainheldusonitscrestOnediamondmorningwhitewithsun。
ButIwillturnmyeyesfromyouAswomenturntoputawayThejewelstheyhavewornatnightAndcannotwearinsoberday。
II
Interlude：SongsoutofSorrowI。Spirit’sHouseFromnakedstonesofagonyIwillbuildahouseforme；
AsamasonallaloneIwillraiseit，stonebystone，AndeverystonewhereIhavebledWillshowasignofduskyred。
Ihavenotgonethewayinvain，ForIhavegoodofallmypain；
Myspirit’squiethousewillbeBuiltofnakedstonesItrodOnroadswhereIlostsightofGod。
II。MasteryIwouldnothaveagodcomeinToshieldmesuddenlyfromsin，Andsetmyhouseoflifetorights；
NorangelswithbrightburningwingsOrderingmyearthlythoughtsandthings；
RathermyownfrailgutteringlightsWindblownandnearlybeatenout；
RathertheterrorofthenightsAndlong，sickgropingafterdoubt；
RatherbelostthanletmysoulSlipvaguelyfrommyowncontrol——
OfmyownspiritletmebeInsolethoughfeeblemastery。
III。LessonsUnlessIlearntoasknohelpFromanyothersoulbutmine，ToseeknostrengthinwavingreedsNorshadebeneathastragglingpine；
UnlessIlearntolookatGriefUnshrinkingfromhertear—blindeyes，AndtakefromPleasurefearlesslyWhatevergiftswillmakemewise——
UnlessIlearnthesethingsonearth，WhywasIevergivenbirth？
IV。WisdomWhenIhaveceasedtobreakmywingsAgainstthefaultinessofthings，AndlearnedthatcompromiseswaitBehindeachhardlyopenedgate，WhenIcanlookLifeintheeyes，Growncalmandverycoldlywise，LifewillhavegivenmetheTruth，Andtakeninexchange——myyouth。
V。InaBuryingGroundThisisthespotwhereIwilllieWhenlifehashadenoughofme，ThesearethegrassesthatwillblowAbovemelikealivingsea。
ThesegayoldlilieswillnotshrinkTodrawtheirlifefromdeathofmine，AndIwillgivemybody’sfireTomakeblueflowersonthisvine。
"OSoul，"Isaid，"haveyounotears？
Wasnotthebodydeartoyou？"
Iheardmysoulsaycarelessly，"Themyrtleflowerswillgrowmoreblue。"
VI。WoodSongIheardawoodthrushintheduskTwirlthreenotesandmakeastar——
MyheartthatwalkedwithbitternessCamebackfromveryfar。
Threeshiningnoteswereallhehad，Andyettheymadeastarrycall——
IcaughtlifebackagainstmybreastAndkissedit，scarsandall。
VII。RefugeFrommyspirit’sgraydefeat，Frommypulse’sflaggingbeat，FrommyhopesthatturnedtosandSiftingthroughmyclose—clenchedhand，Frommyownfault’sslavery，IfIcansing，Istillamfree。
ForwithmysingingIcanmakeArefugeformyspirit’ssake，Ahouseofshiningwords，tobeMyfragileimmortality。
III
TheFlightLookbackwithlongingeyesandknowthatIwillfollow，Liftmeupinyourloveasalightwindliftsaswallow，Letourflightbefarinsunorblowingrain——
*ButwhatifIheardmyfirstlovecallingmeagain？*
Holdmeonyourheartasthebraveseaholdsthefoam，Takemefarawaytothehillsthathideyourhome；
Peaceshallthatchtheroofandloveshalllatchthedoor——
*ButwhatifIheardmyfirstlovecallingmeoncemore？*
DewAsdewleavesthecobweblightlyThreadedwithstars，ScatteringjewelsonthefenceAndthepasturebars；
AsdawnleavesthedrygrassbrightAndthetangledweedsBearingarainbowgemOneachoftheirseeds；
Sohasyourlove，mylover，Freshasthedawn，MademeashiningroadTotravelon，SeteverycommonsightOftreeorstoneDelicatelyalightFormealone。
To—nightThemoonisacurvingflowerofgold，Theskyisstillandblue；
Themoonwasmadefortheskytohold，AndIforyou。
Themoonisaflowerwithoutastem，Theskyisluminous；
Eternitywasmadeforthem，To—nightforus。
EbbTideWhenthelongdaygoesbyAndIdonotseeyourface，Theoldwild，restlesssorrowStealsfromitshidingplace。
Mydayisbarrenandbroken，Bereftoflightandsong，AseabeachbleakandwindyThatmoansthewholedaylong。
Totheemptybeachatebbtide，Barewithitsrocksandscars，Comebackliketheseawithsinging，Andlightofamillionstars。
IWouldLiveinYourLoveIwouldliveinyourloveasthesea—grassesliveinthesea，Borneupbyeachwaveasitpasses，drawndownbyeachwavethatrecedes；
Iwouldemptymysoulofthedreamsthathavegatheredinme，Iwouldbeatwithyourheartasitbeats，Iwouldfollowyoursoulasitleads。
BecauseOh，becauseyounevertriedTobowmywillorbreakmypride，Andnothingofthecave—manmadeYouwanttokeepmehalfafraid，NoreverwithaconqueringairYouthoughttodrawmeunaware——
Takeme，forIloveyoumoreThanIeverlovedbefore。
Andsincethebody’smaidenhoodAlonewereneitherrarenorgoodUnlesswithitIgavetoyouAspiritstilluntrammeled，too，TakemydreamsandtakemymindThatweremasterlessaswind；
And"Master！"IshallsaytoyouSinceyouneveraskedmeto。
TheTreeofSongIsangmysongsfortherest，ForyouIamstill；
ThetreeofmysongisbareOnitsshininghill。
Foryoucamelikealordlywind，AndtheleaveswerewhirledFarasforgottenthingsPasttherimoftheworld。
ThetreeofmysongstandsbareAgainsttheblue——
Igavemysongstotherest，Myselftoyou。
TheGiverYouboundstrongsandalsonmyfeet，Yougavemebreadandwine，Andsentmeundersunandstars，Foralltheworldwasmine。
Oh，takethesandalsoffmyfeet，Youknownotwhatyoudo；
Forallmyworldisinyourarms，Mysunandstarsareyou。
AprilSongWillow，inyourAprilgownDelicateandgleaming，DoyoumindinyearsgonebyAllmydreaming？
SpringwaslikeacalltomeThatIcouldnotanswer，Iwaschainedtoloneliness，I，thedancer。
Willow，twinklinginthesun，Stillyourleavesandhearme，Icananswerspringatlast，Loveisnearme！
TheWandererIsawthesunset—coloredsands，TheNilelikeflowingfirebetween，WhereRamesesstaresforthserene，AndAmmon’sheavytemplestands。
Isawtherockswherelongago，Abovetheseathatcriesandbreaks，SwiftPerseuswithMedusa’ssnakesSetfreethemaidenwhitelikesnow。
Andmanyskieshavecoveredme，Andmanywindshaveblownmeforth，AndIhavelovedthegreen，brightnorth，AndIhavelovedthecold，sweetsea。
Butwhattomearenorthandsouth，Andwhatthelureofmanylands，SinceyouhaveleanedtocatchmyhandsAndlayakissuponmymouth。
TheYearsTo—nightIclosemyeyesandseeAstrangeprocessionpassingme——
TheyearsbeforeIsawyourfaceGobymewithawistfulgrace；
Theypass，thesensitive，shyyears，Asonewhostrivestodance，halfblindwithtears。
TheyearswentbyandneverknewThateachonebroughtmeneareryou；
TheirpathwasnarrowandapartAndyetitledmetoyourheart——
Oh，sensitive，shyyears，oh，lonelyyears，Thatstrovetosingwithvoicesdrownedintears。
EnoughItisenoughformebydayTowalkthesamebrightearthwithhim；
EnoughthatoverusbynightThesamegreatroofofstarsisdim。
IdonothopetobindthewindOrsetafetteronthesea——
ItisenoughtofeelhisloveBlowbylikemusicoverme。
ComeCome，whenthepalemoonlikeapetalFloatsinthepearlyduskofspring，Comewitharmsoutstretchedtotakeme，Comewithlipspurseduptocling。
Come，forlifeisafrailmothflying，Caughtintheweboftheyearsthatpass，Andsoonwetwo，sowarmandeager，Willbeasthegraystonesinthegrass。
JoyIamwild，Iwillsingtothetrees，Iwillsingtothestarsinthesky，Ilove，Iamloved，heismine，NowatlastIcandie！
Iamsandaledwithwindandwithflame，Ihaveheart—fireandsingingtogive，Icantreadonthegrassorthestars，NowatlastIcanlive！
RichesIhavenorichesbutmythoughts，Yetthesearewealthenoughforme；
MythoughtsofyouaregoldencoinsStampedinthemintofmemory；
AndImustspendthemallinsong，Forthoughts，aswellasgold，mustbeLeftonthehithersideofdeathTogaintheirimmortality。
DuskinWarTimeAhalf—hourmoreandyouwillleanTogathermecloseintheoldsweetway——
Butoh，tothewomanovertheseaWhowillcomeatthecloseofday？
Ahalf—hourmoreandIwillhearThekeyinthelatchandthestrong，quicktread——
Butoh，thewomanovertheseaWaitingatduskforonewhoisdead！
PeacePeaceflowsintomeAsthetidetothepoolbytheshore；
Itismineforevermore，Itwillnotebblikethesea。
IamthepoolofblueThatworshipsthevividsky；
Myhopeswereheaven—high，Theyareallfulfilledinyou。
IamthepoolofgoldWhensunsetburnsanddies——
Youaremydeepeningskies；
Givemeyourstarstohold。
MoodsIamthestillrainfalling，Tootiredforsingingmirth——
Oh，bethegreenfieldscalling，Oh，beformetheearth！
IamthebrownbirdpiningToleavethenestandfly——
Oh，bethefreshcloudshining，Oh，beformethesky！
HousesofDreamsYoutookmyemptydreamsAndfilledthemeveryoneWithtendernessandnobleness，Aprilandthesun。
TheoldemptydreamsWheremythoughtswouldthrongArefartoofullofhappinessToevenholdasong。
Oh，theemptydreamsweredimAndtheemptydreamswerewide，TheyweresweetandshadowyhousesWheremythoughtscouldhide。
ButyoutookmydreamsawayAndyoumadethemallcometrue——
Mythoughtshavenoplacenowtoplay，Andnothingnowtodo。
LightsWhenwecomehomeatnightandclosethedoor，Standingtogetherintheshadowyroom，Safeinourownloveandthegentlegloom，Gladoffamiliarwallandchairandfloor，Gladtoleavefarbelowtheclangingcity；
LookingfardownwardtotheglaringstreetGaudywithlight，yettiredwithmanyfeet，Inbothofuswellsupawordlesspity；
Menhavetriedhardtoputawaythedark；
AmillionlightedwindowsbrilliantlyInlaywithsquaresofgoldthewinternight，ButtousstandingheretherecomesthestarkSenseofthelivesbehindeachyellowlight，Andnotonewhollyjoyous，proud，orfree。
"IAmNotYours"
Iamnotyours，notlostinyou，Notlost，althoughIlongtobeLostasacandlelitatnoon，Lostasasnowflakeinthesea。
Youloveme，andIfindyoustillAspiritbeautifulandbright，YetIamI，wholongtobeLostasalightislostinlight。
Ohplungemedeepinlove——putoutMysenses，leavemedeafandblind，Sweptbythetempestofyourlove，Ataperinarushingwind。
DoubtMysoullivesinmybody’shouse，Andyouhaveboththehouseandher——
ButsometimessheislessyourownThanawild，gayadventurer；
Arestlessandaneagerwraith，HowcanItellwhatshewilldo——
Oh，Iamsureofmybody’sfaith，Butwhatifmysoulbrokefaithwithyou？
TheWindAwindisblowingovermysoul，Ihearitcrythewholenightthrough——
IstherenopeaceformeonearthExceptwithyou？
Alas，thewindhasmademewise，Overmynakedsoulitblew，——
ThereisnopeaceformeonearthEvenwithyou。
MorningIwentoutonanAprilmorningAllalone，formyheartwashigh，Iwasachildoftheshiningmeadow，Iwasasisterofthesky。
ThereinthewindyfloodofmorningLonginglifteditsweightfromme，Lostasasobinthemidstofcheering，Sweptasasea—birdouttosea。
OtherMenWhenItalkwithothermenIalwaysthinkofyou——
Yourwordsarekeenerthantheirwords，Andtheyaregentler，too。
WhenIlookatothermen，Iwishyourfacewerethere，WithitsgrayeyesanddarkskinAndtossedblackhair。
WhenIthinkofothermen，Dreamingalonebyday，ThethoughtofyoulikeastrongwindBlowsthedreamsaway。
EmbersIsaid，"MyyouthisgoneLikeafirebeatenoutbytherain，ThatwillneverswayandsingOrplaywiththewindagain。"
Isaid，"ItisnogreatsorrowThatquenchedmyyouthinme，ButonlylittlesorrowsBeatingceaselessly。"
Ithoughtmyyouthwasgone，Butyoureturned——
LikeaflameatthecallofthewindItleapedandburned；
Threwoffitsashencloak，AndgownedanewGaveitselflikeabrideOncemoretoyou。
MessageIheardacryinthenight，Athousandmilesitcame，Sharpasaflashoflight，Myname，myname！
ItwasyourvoiceIheard，Youwakedandlovedmeso——
Isendyoubackthisword，Iknow，Iknow！
TheLampIfIcanbearyourlovelikealampbeforeme，WhenIgodownthelongsteepRoadofDarkness，Ishallnotfeartheeverlastingshadows，Norcryinterror。
IfIcanfindoutGod，thenIshallfindHim，IfnonecanfindHim，thenIshallsleepsoundly，Knowinghowwellonearthyourlovesufficedme，Alampindarkness。
IV
ANovemberNightThere！Seethelineoflights，Achainofstarsdowneithersidethestreet——
Whycan’tyouliftthechainandgiveittome，Anecklaceformythroat？I’dtwistitroundAndyoucouldplaywithit。YousmileatmeAsthoughIwerealittledreamychildBehindwhoseeyesthefairieslive……Andsee，ThepeopleonthestreetlookupatusAllenvious。Weareakingandqueen，Ourroyalcarriageisamotorbus，Wewatchoursubjectswithahaughtyjoy……
Howstillyouare！HaveyoubeenhardatworkAndareyoutiredto—night？ItissolongSinceIhaveseenyou——fourwholedays，Ithink。
MyheartiscrowdedfulloffoolishthoughtsLikeearlyflowersinanAprilmeadow，AndImustgivethemtoyou，allofthem，Beforetheyfade。ThepeopleIhavemet，TheplayIsaw，thetrivial，shiftingthingsThatloomtoobigorshrinktoolittle，shadowsThathurry，gesturingalongawall，Hauntingorgay——andyettheyallgrowrealAndtaketheirpropersizehereinmyheartWhenyouhaveseenthem……There’sthePlazanow，Alakeoflight！To—nightitalmostseemsThatallthelightsaregatheredinyoureyes，Drawnsomehowtowardyou。SeetheopenparkLyingbelowuswithamillionlampsScatteredinwisedisorderlikethestars。
WelookdownonthemasGodmustlookdownOnconstellationsfloatingunderHimTangledinclouds……Come，then，andletuswalkSincewehavereachedthepark。Itisourgarden，Allblackandblossomlessthiswinternight，ButwebringAprilwithus，youandI；
Wesetthewholeworldonthetrailofspring。
IthinkthateverypathweevertookHasmarkedourfootprintsinmysteriousfire，Delicategoldthatonlyfairiessee。
Whentheywakeupatdawninhollowtree—trunksAndcomeoutonthedrowsypark，theylookAlongtheemptypathsandsay，"Oh，hereTheywent，andhere，andhere，andhere！Come，see，Hereistheirbench，takehandsandletusdanceAboutitinawindyringandmakeAcirclerounditonlytheycancrossWhentheycomebackagain！"……Lookatthelake——
DoyourememberhowwewatchedtheswansThatnightinlateOctoberwhiletheyslept？
Swansmusthavestatelydreams，Ithink。ButnowThelakebearsonlythinreflectedlightsThatshakealittle。HowIlongtotakeOnefromthecoldblackwater——new—madegoldTogiveyouinyourhand！Andsee，andsee，Thereisastar，deepinthelake，astar！
Oh，dimmerthanapearl——ifyoustoopdownYourhandcouldalmostreachituptome……
Therewasanewfrailyellowmoonto—night——
IwishyoucouldhavehaditforacupWithstarslikedewtofillittothebrim……
Howcolditis！Eventhelightsarecold；
Theyhaveputshawlsoffogaroundthem，see！
WhatiftheairshouldgrowsodimlywhiteThatwewouldloseourwayalongthepathsMadenewbywallsofmovingmistrecedingThemorewefollow……Whatasilvernight！
ThatwasourbenchthetimeyousaidtomeThelongnewpoem——buthowdifferentnow，HoweeriewiththecurtainofthefogMakingitstrangetoallthefriendlytrees！
Thereisnowind，andyetgreatcurvingscrollsCarvethemselves，everchanging，inthemist。
Walkonalittle，letmestandherewatchingToseeyou，too，grownstrangetomeandfar……
IusedtowonderhowtheparkwouldbeIfonenightwecouldhaveitallalone——
Noloverswithclosearm—encircledwaistsTowhisperandbreakinuponourdreams。
Andnowwehaveit！Everywishcomestrue！
Wearealonenowinafleecyworld；
Eventhestarshavegone。Wetwoalone！
[EndofLoveSongs。]
{Asanitemofinteresttothereader，thefollowing，whichwasattheendofthisedition，isincluded。
Onlytheadvertisementforthesameauthorisincluded}。
BythesameauthorRiverstotheSea"ThereishardlyanotherAmericanwoman—poetwhosepoetryisgenerallyknownandlovedlikethatofSaraTeasdale。`RiverstotheSea’，herlatestvolumeoflyrics，possessesthedelicacyofimagery，theinwardillumination，thehighvisionthatcharacterizethepoetrythatwillendurethetestoftime。"——`ReviewofReviews’。
"`RiverstotheSea’isabookofsheerdelight……Hertouchturnseverythingtosong。"——EdwardJ。Wheeler，in`CurrentOpinion’。
"SaraTeasdale’slyricshavetheclarity，theprecision，thegraceandfragranceofflowers。"——HarrietMonroe，in`Poetry’。
"SaraTeasdalehasageniusforthesong，fortheperfectlyric，inwhichthewordsseemtohavefallenintoplacewithoutartoreffort。"
——LouisUntermeyer，in`TheChicagoEveningPost’。
"`RiverstotheSea’isthebestbookofpurelyricsthathasappearedinEnglishsinceA。E。Housman’s`AShropshireLad’。"
——WilliamMarionReedy，in`TheMirror’。
"`RiverstotheSea’isthemostbeautifulbookofpurelyricsthathascometomyhandinyears。"——`LosAngelesGraphic’。
"SaraTeasdalesingsaboutlovebetterthananyothercontemporaryAmericanpoet。"——`TheBostonTranscript’。
"`RiverstotheSea’isthemostcharmingvolumeofpoetrythathasappearedoneithersideoftheAtlanticinascoreofyears。"——`St。LouisRepublic’。
SaraTeasdale1884—1933：
TeasdalewasborninSt。Louis，Missouri，wheresheattendedaschoolthatwasfoundedbythegrandfatherofanothergreatpoetfromSt。Louis——
T。S。Eliot。ShelaterassociatedherselfmorewithNewYorkCity。
Herfirstbookofpoemswas"SonnetstoDuse"1907，[atleastonepoeminthecurrentvolume，"Faults"，isfromthisbook，]
but"HelenofTroy"1911wasthetruelaunchofhercareer，followedby"RiverstotheSea"1915，"LoveSongs"1917，"FlameandShadow"1920andmore。Herfinalvolume，"StrangeVictory"，isconsideredbymanytobepredictiveofhersuicidein1933。