The Old Road to Paradise/Heart of Youth

by Margaret Widdemer

HEART OF YOUTH

When I come back in the gloom To my lighted house once more My heart says, "Haste tonight! There is something you do not know, Something to give you joy, On the other side of the door There in the firelight's glow, There in the lighted room."

My quick heart whispers me, "The kinsman gone oversea, The one they have always said Would surely come back some day, Waits for you, brown, windblown . . .Or the lover you have not known Is waiting you there tonight—Do you wonder that I rejoice? Or the dearest one of the dead Waits in the ring of light With the old glad face and voice As if he were never away . . .Hasten!" my heart has said.

But when I open the door There are only the old lights And the old accustomed faces And the firelight on the floor. . . .