Poems (Hooper)/In Vain

by Lucy Hamilton Hooper

For works with similar titles, see In Vain.

IN VAIN.

Clasp closer arms, press closer lips,
 In last and vain caressing!
For nevermore that pallid cheek
 Will crimson 'neath your pressing.
For these vain words and vainer tears
 She waited yester-even;
She waits you now—but in the far
 Resplendent halls of heaven.

With patient eyes fixed on the door,
 She waited, hoping ever,
Till Death's dark wall rose cold between
 Her gaze and you forever.
She heard your footsteps in the breeze,
 And in the wild bee's humming:
The last breath that she shaped to words
 Said softly, "Is he coming?"

Now silenced lies the gentlest heart
 That ever sod did cover;
Safe—never to be wrung again
 By you, O fickle lover!
Your wrongs to her knew never end
 Till earth's last bonds were riven;
Your memory rose cold between
 Her parting soul and heaven.

Now vain your false and tardy grief;
 Vain your remorseful weeping;
For she, whom only you deceived,
 Lies hushed in dreamless sleeping.
Go—not beside that peaceful form
 Should lying words be spoken!
Go, pray to God, "Be merciful
 As she whose heart I've broken!"