The heart repeats it over day by day,
And fancies how and when the words will fall—
What answering smile upon the face will play,
What tender light will linger over all.
But eager eyes that watch for one alone
May grow reluctant; for the open gate
Lets in, with him, perchance a guest unknown,
On whom slow words of courtesy must wait.
Or when the presence waited for has come,
It may be dull or cold, too sad or light: