HOW LONG I KEPT MY SILENCE WITH YOU

How long I kept my silence with you,
And touched no lines for so long;
Now I behold them, grieved anew,
To still be mute, I must belong.

I once was silent — it was painful
To face your ever-closed sad eyes;
And in that silence, wide and tranquil,
A vine around my heart would rise.

I wore the ring as if forever,
And placed it on your tender hand;
Through half-unclosed and dimmed eyes ever
I breathed you hope unsaid, unplanned.

Like echoes born of silent weather,
We spread the autumn yellow leaves
Upon our bridal bed together,
Where silence bound us — you and me.