Twilight

“Twilight”

Early by twilight I waited, I waited with flowers
At the sight of the grave that was to be ours.
You rested not, though night lay ahead,
And for you I gladly lay with the dead.

A shadow I kissed where your hand would be.
Would that you loved as I died for thee!
Twilight—my heart burns with tears and remorse
For the love that yet weeping it still adores.

Dark light shades the silence of the shrine,
The shadows gathered here alas! are mine
Never shall you eclipse the sun in the vault,
Though in the dark, your light is recalled:
A memory of stars that have gone sailing by,
By twilight when the voices of my heart shall die.

Twilight glistens—lengthening shadows are weeping
Around the form that is sleeping.
What prayers kiss the lips of such sorrow
That seasons to be never shall follow?

Twilight thickens—the shadows without number.
Nevermore by my side shall you slumber.
Candles are lit. Yawn the doors of the tomb,
Where I wait with each gathered bloom.
Twilight, and the dream for he who lies,
A thousand deaths he dies
Without you to hold the shadows at bay.
Twilight—the end of day.

© 2022 Marten Hoyle