THROUGH the long night, the deathlong night, <br />Along the dark and haunted way, <br />I knew your hidden face was bright-- <br />More bright than any day. <br /> <br /> <br />And when the faint, insistent moan <br />Rose from some weed-grown wayside grave, <br />I said, 'I do not walk alone; <br />'Tis easy to be brave. <br /> <br /> <br />I never turned to speak with you, <br />For all the way was dark and long, <br />But all the shadows' menace through <br />Your silence was my song. <br /> <br /> <br />I never sought to take your hand, <br />For all the way was long and rough; <br />I taught my soul to understand <br />That love was strength enough. <br /> <br /> <br />Then, suddenly, the ghosts drew near, <br />A ghastly, gliding, tomb-white band; <br />I called aloud for you to hear, <br />My hand besought your hand. <br /> <br /> <br />No voice, no touch--the thin ghosts glide <br />Where in my dream I dreamed you were-- <br />Night, night, you are not by my side, <br />You never have been there!<br /><br />Edith Nesbit<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/faith-ii/
