Harriet Monroe, ed. (1860–1936). The New Poetry: An Anthology. 1917.
O Bitter DayMary Aldis
O
I saw a moment in a throng of men,
I am bereft, I am alone!
I seek, but nowhere find again
Your startled grace,
O pale, small face.
Forever questioning, forever dumb,
I weary of your sick mistrust!
Why do you bolt the door when love would come?
Go dwell apart,
O fearful heart!
When you looked and passed, you of the pale small face,
You of the sweet tormented eyes,
The eager tread, the startled grace!
Yet I said no word to make you stay—
O bitter, bitter day!