How is it that, being gone, you fill my days,

And all the long nights are made glad by thee?

No loneliness is this, nor misery,

But great content that these should be the ways

Whereby the Fancy, dreaming as she strays,

Makes bright and present what she would would be.

And who shall say if the reality

Is not with dreams so pregnant. For delays

And hindrances may bar the wished-for end;

A thousand misconceptions may prevent

Our souls from coming near enough to blend;

Let me but think we have the same intent,

That each one needs to call the other, “friend!”

It may be vain illusion. I’m content.

***

More poems by Amy Lowell