Beside an ebbing northern sea <br />While stars awaken one by one, <br />We walk together, I and he. <br /> <br />He woos me with an easy grace <br />That proves him only half sincere; <br />A light smile flickers on his face. <br /> <br />To him love-making is an art, <br />And as a flutist plays a flute, <br />So does he play upon his heart <br /> <br />A music varied to his whim. <br />He has no use for love of mine, <br />He would not have me answer him. <br /> <br />To hide my eyes within the night <br />I watch the changeful lighthouse gleam <br />Alternately with red and white. <br /> <br />My laughter smites upon my ears, <br />So one who cries and wakes from sleep <br />Knows not it is himself he hears. <br /> <br />What if my voice should let him know <br />The mocking words were all a sham, <br />And lips that laugh could tremble so? <br /> <br />What if I lost the power to lie, <br />And he should only hear his name <br />In one low, broken cry?<br /><br />Sara Teasdale<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/by-the-sea-2/
