Edna St. Vincent Millay




Sonnet 90

Fatal Interview
xxi   
Gone in good sooth you are: not even in a dream You come. As if the strictures of the light, Laid on our glances to their disesteem, Extended even to shadows and the night; Extended even beyond that drowsy sill Along whose galleries open to the skies All maskers move unchallenged and at will, Visor in hand or hooded to the eyes. To that pavilion the green sea in flood Curves in, and the slow dancers dance in foam; I find again the pink camellia-bud On the wide step, beside a silver comb . . . But it is scentless; up the marble stair I mount with pain, knowing you are not there.