The Phantom

In the tavern on dark Halloween
Stood the purest soul that I have seen
In garb of ancient phantom fair
With smile of pearl he stood there
Yet with sorrow in so deep an eye
Where a pain I saw radiently lie.
What caresses marked the hours
Of the brief love that was ours
I with that phantom--that phantom fair

Round his neck my arms I threw
Praying this love I briefly knew
Would live more than but one night
'Neath the neon's stain of light
Ah great was my drunken prayer
To be loved by that phantom--that phantom fair
Who showed to me the stars through the weeping shrouds
Of a thousand midnight clouds,
Relishing my funeral attire
My fit of odd desire
The prayer within my eyes of grey
That I would not scare this man away.

Today a phantom of his charms,
A phantom of enfolding arms
A phantom of a happy song
A phantom of a scent sweet and strong
Serves memory of that phantom--that phantom fair
Who speaketh not to my despair
So that in my sorrow
I pray that on the morrow
To hear the voice somewhere
Of that phantom--that phantom fair.