Page:The House of Falling Leaves (1908).djvu/18



We go from house to house, from town to town,

And fill the distance full of smiles and words;

We take all pleasure that our strength affords

And care not if the sun be up or down.

The way of it no man has ever known—

But suddenly there is a snap of chords

Within the heart that sounds like hollow boards,—

We question every shadow that is thrown.

O to be near when the last word is said!

And see the last reflection in the eye—

For when the word is brought our friend is dead,

How bitter is the tear that will not dry,

Because so far away our steps are led

When Love should draw us close to say Good-bye!