For Eowyn

A sonnet from about six years ago.

—-

My love has been “a shadow and a thought”?

These restless feelings and these darting eyes

were full—was it for vanity I fought?

No, though I loved in vain. Was I unwise

to hope for one who seemed an honorable man,

who paid me heed when so few men had cared?

He was in love the day my life began,

but not with me. How greatly I have erred!

how deeply does the disillusion draw

the desperate thought, “I must not lose again”!

What vindication now if such men saw

the valor that arises out of pain!

The broken heart will battle in its turn.

Let no one doubt then how such hearts can burn!