Anna Katherine (Green) Rohlfs (1846–1935)

I MET thee, dear, and loved thee—yet we part,

Thou on thine unknown way and I on mine,

Ere yet the music of my woman’s heart

Has had full time to harmonize with thine.

Yet since the strain begun has seemed so sweet,

Forgive me if I dare to proffer thee

This echo from the depths where all complete

Trembles the soul’s perfected melody.

Jewels I have not, else for memory

Would I bestow them on the friend I love,

But tears and smiles, and the sweet thoughts that move

The heart by day and night, such, such to thee

I give in these poor lines as lavishly

As summer winds yield fragrance when they blow

Up from a vale where countless roses grow.