Thomas Hardy
Before Knowledge
When I walked roseless tracks and wide,
Ere dawned your date for meeting me,
O why did you not cry Halloo
Across the stretch between, and say:

"We move, while years as yet divide,
On closing lines which—though it be
You know me not nor I know you -
Will intersect and join some day!"

        Then well I had borne
        Each scraping thorn;
        But the winters froze,
        And grew no rose;
        No bridge bestrode
        The gap at all;
        No shape you showed,
        And I heard no call!