296

One Year ago—jots what?
God—spell the word! I—can't
Was't Grace? Not that
Was't Glory? That—will do
Spell slower—Glory

Such Anniversary shall be
Sometimes—not often—in Eternity
When farther Parted, than the Common Woe
Look—feed upon each other's faces—so
In doubtful meal, if it be possible
Their Banquet's true

I tasted—careless—then
I did not know the Wine
Came once a World—Did you?
Oh, had you told me so
This Thirst would blister—easier—now
You said it hurt you—most
Mine—was an Acorn's Breast
And could not know how fondness grew
In Shaggier Vest
Perhaps—I couldn't
But, had you looked in
A Giant—eye to eye with you, had been
No Acorn—then
So—Twelve months ago
We breathed
Then dropped the Air
Which bore it best?
Was this—the patientest
Because it was a Child, you know
And could not value—Air?

If to be "Elder"—mean most pain
I'm old enough, today, I'm certain—then
As old as thee—how soon?
One—Birthday more—or Ten?
Let me—choose!
Ah, Sir, None!