A Memory

O how I loved you when we met For that one moment of the day! Yes, loved you desperately, and yet Could scarcely find a word to say— No wonder that you looked and smiled As though upon some timid child. You never guessed, how could you guess That I adored your loveliness!

You never saw the prisoned soul Behind the windows of my eyes, Frantic to break from fate's control And charm you with her flatteries … And show you, your cold heart to move, The shining treasure of her love, And worship in a long embrace, The reckless beauty of your face!

You never knew … and the dream died A broken rose beneath your feet … You went your way … the world is wide And I forgot, for youth is sweet … Yet when at night I lie awake, My heart is sad for a dream's sake, And I remember and regret … O how I loved you when we met!