The Watch
By candle-light when every fine flame played
About your bed so long and cold and white,—
I sat and kept my watch, and wept and prayed
By candle-light.
Till memories a holy, holy flight
Came back from our far childhood’s years, and stayed
Touching us with their wings. And to thy bright
High presence, “I will be all days” (I said)
“A torch to hold thy spirit’s flame aright.”
This was the tender promise that I made
By candle-light.