Lovers

I thought, because we had been friends so long, That I knew all your dear lips dared intend Before they dawned to speech. Our thoughts would blend, I dreamed, like memories that faintly throng. Your voice dwelt in me like an olden song. Petal, I thought, from petal I could rend The blossom of your soul, and at the end Find still the same sweet fragrance. I was wrong. Last evening in our eyes love brimmed to birth; Our friendship faded, lost in passion's mist. We had been strangers only! Here, close-caught Against my heart the dim face I had sought So long! And now the only thing on earth-- Your piteous mouth, a-tremble to be kissed!