609

I Years had been from Home

And now before the Door

I dared not enter, lest a Face

I never saw before

Stare solid into mine

And ask my Business there —

«My Business but a Life I left

Was such remaining there?»

I leaned upon the Awe —

I lingered with Before —

The Second like an Ocean rolled

And broke against my ear —

I laughed a crumbling Laugh

That I could fear a Door

Who Consternation compassed

And never winced before.

I fitted to the Latch

My Hand, with trembling care

Lest back the awful Door should spring

And leave me in the Floor —

Then moved my Fingers off

As cautiously as Glass

And held my ears, and like a Thief

Fled gasping from the House —

◄