Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By Elizabeth Stuart PhelpsWard

929 The Room’s Width

I THINK if I should cross the room,

Far as fear;

Should stand beside you like a thought—

Touch you, dear,

Like a fancy,—to your sad heart

It would seem

That my vision passed and prayed you,

Or my dream.

Then you would look with lonely eyes—

Lift your head—

And you would stir, and sigh, and say,

“She is dead.”

Baffled by death and love, I lean

Through the gloom.

O Lord of life! am I forbid

To cross the room?