DEFEATED.
Give me your hand—nay, both, as I confront you. Let me look in your eyes, as once before. I gaze, and gaze. Oh, how they change and soften! I stand within the portal: lo! a door—
A door close shut and barred. I knock and listen. No sound, no answer. Doubtingly I wait. Oh! for one glance beyond that guarded entrance, The power that mystic realm to penetrate.
I touch the barrier with hands entreating, If it would yield to me, and none beside. What bitter pain, what sense of loss and failure, To come so near, and come to be denied!
Softly I call, but only silence answers— Silence, and the quick throbbing of my heart. Immovable, the frowning bar abideth: Kneeling, I kiss the threshold and depart.
Mary L. Ritter.