The Stranger

Never am I so alone As when I walk among the crowd — Blurred masks of stern or grinning stone, Unmeaning eyes and voices loud. Gaze dares not encounter gaze,… Humbled, I turn my head aside; When suddenly there is a face… Pale, subdued and grievous-eyed. Ah, I know that visage meek, Those trembling lips, the eyes that shine But turn from that which they would seek With an air piteous, divine! There is not a line or scar, Seal of a sorrow or disgrace, But I know like sigils are Burned in my heart and on my face. Speak! O speak! Thou art the one! But thou hast passed with sad head bowed; And never am I so alone As when I walk among the crowd.