Menace

I came into your room and spoke. Sudden I knew you were not there. The easy, common sentence broke Against the unanswering air.

My heart shook like a frightened bird, And to my ear the terror said, Where nothing spoke and nothing stirred,— Dear God, if he were dead!

I heard your footstep in the house, Your voice brought comfort to my fear. But, fluttering like a frightened mouse, My heart beat at my ear.

The room wore its familiar face; On the warm hearth spirted the flame. Yet—menace of an empty place— Lord, if he never came!