LES REVENANTS
My only light is candle-light
From candles fitly set
In sconces, dazzling.
Long threads, half melting, cling
To snowy candle-masts, and fret
The straight, slim forms, and I shall sit
Alone, until the Spirit stirs
These lily lights (for they are conjurers).
From the high corners, shadows flit
Across the floor: and One shall bring
Back all my soul has loved and missed.
And the dim others fade when we have kissed.
But one remains, and I am one with it.
My only light is candle-light
From candles burning down
Till each flame flickers into night.
Is it the perfume slight
From shadow hair and shadow gown
Unseals my long-locked senses? Or,
Light touching hands and lips that fill
For me the waste of time, caress until
I live as I have lived before?
My only light shall be the candle’s light,
To summon shades and mysteries
Until my solitary spirit sees
Your shadow steal across the shining floor.