Lost Footsteps

Upon the disc of Love's bright planet fell A darkness yestereve, and from your lips I heard cold words; then came a swift eclipse Of joy at meeting on hope's it-is-well.

And if I spoke with sadness and with fear; If from your gentle coldness I drew back, And felt that I had lost the flowery track That led to peace in Love's sweet atmosphere:

It was because a woful dread possessed. My aching heart--the dread some evil star Had crossed the warm affection in your breast,

Had bade me stand apart from where you are. The world seemed breaking on my life; I heard The crash of sorrows in that chiding word.