MAKE strong your door with bolt and bar, <br />Make every window fast; <br />Strong brass and iron as they are, <br />They are so easy passed-- <br />So easy broken and cast aside, <br />And by the open door <br />My footsteps come to your guarded home, <br />And pass away no more. <br /> <br /> <br />In the golden noon--by the lovers' moon, <br />My shadow bars your way, <br />My shroud shows white in the blackest night <br />And grey in the gladdest day. <br />And by your board and by your bed <br />There is a place for me, <br />And in the glow when the coals burn low, <br />My face is the face ye see <br /> <br /> <br />I come between when ye laugh and lean, <br />I burn in the tears ye weep: <br />I am there when ye wake in the gray day-break <br />From the gold of a lovers' sleep. <br />I wither the rose and I spoil the song, <br />And Death is not strong to save-- <br />For I shall creep while your mourners weep, <br />And wait for you in your grave.<br /><br />Edith Nesbit<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-past-62/
