The Conservative (Lovecraft)/January 1916/To Celia
To Celia.
This kindness, had it come when first I thought
To win your heart's regard and true esteem,
Would not, as now, since 'tis no longer sought,
Have seem'd the ling'ring phantom of a dream.
For all your glance, and smile, and touch, betray,
I yearn'd in vain, in other hopeless times;
Had counted that dear treasure, which, today,
You give from your affection's ardent climes.
But now this new and sudden sympathy,
This tardy warmth, that fellows old neglect,
Leave me unmov'd, who once so willingly
Had welcomed love, to shelter and protect;--
Love in such guise of beauty and delight,
As you, perhaps, had taught my heart to know;
Such sweetness and such tenderness and might,
As only soul to soul can ever show!
And since that dream has died, my heart must mourn
To know that yours, too late, has learn'd to care;
For, long ago, the rue and wounding thorn
Of that old love, were plucked for one more fair!
Rheinhart Kleiner.