I have watched the twilight fading,
Like a joy upon the wall;
And like a memory round me
Have seen the shadows fall.
I have sat here, just remembering,
Until the shadowy night
Stole silent o'er the threshold,
As outward passed the light.
Upon the shores of Memory
I have seen the ebb and flow;
And heard the mystic murmurs
Of the waves of long ago.
But the dream at last was broken
By a footfall at the door,
And I looked and saw a shadow,
As it lay upon the floor.
And it was but a shadow,
For that light, familiar tread
Sought long ago, and early,
The pathway of the dead.
But like some song, whose key-note
The heart long, long has felt,
So I've treasured up the music
Of that low and gentle step.
And full often when the sunset
Is just mingling with the night,
The darkness overlaying,
And shutting out the light,
Then I hear the muffled footfall
Come softly, as of yore--
Can you tell me why it pauses
Forever at the door?
