Classic Poem

If you are loath to have me standing here
Gray on your dark, a blur against the noon,
Why did you make me This?... I cannot choose
But face you so with unaccusing eyes
Of knowledge, now I see you as you are, —
To wonder how I saw you as I did,
Too long unknowing. I am filled with wonder,
Poising between the Outer Place and you,
Held changeless with the laughter dimly here,
So sudden blasted. Yes, and I would go,
If it might be; but this one gift it seems
I may not bribe of death or destiny.
I cannot buy you peace with aught I have,
Even forgiveness ... now that all is done.
That was the last way to be rid of me.
Not willingly I gaze on you and Hate,
With this same " Wherefore, wherefore?" It is true
The murdered heart will ever bleed again,
When one draws near: no other touch, but one,
Can start the bitter drops from dead amaze!
You who would have me gone — both then and now —
I would be gone from you. And I would lose
This gleam of stricken laughter from my eyes;
Because death made me older, and I see
How little cause there was in me for mirth.
Only I never guessed; I was so dull —
Looking for love — and knew not of this thing.
I see all now. ... Ah, Silent One, how long
Must we look on each other, face to face?