My Enemy

I my foe was dark, and stern, and grim, I lived my life in fear of him. I passed no secret, darkened nook Without a shuddering, furtive look, Lest he should take me unawares In some one of his subtle snares. Even in broad noon the thought of him Turned all the blessed sunlight dim, Stole the rich color from the rose, The perfume from the elder-blows. I saw him not, I heard no sound; But traces everywhere I found Of his fell plotting. Now, the flower Most prized lay blasted by his power; From the locked casket, rent apart, The jewel dearest to my heart Was stolen; or, from out the dark, Some swift blow made my heart its mark. Sweet eyes I loved grew glazed and dim That had but caught a glimpse of him; And ears, were wont to hear each sigh Of mine, were deafened utterly, Even to my shrieks; and lips I pressed Struck a cold horror to my breast. This hath he done, my enemy. From him, O God, deliver me! II I reached but now this place of gloom Through yon small gateway, where is room For only one to pass. This calm Is healing as a Sabbath psalm. A sound, as if the hard earth slid Down-rattling on a coffin-lid, Was in mine ears. Now all is still, And I am free to fare at will— Whither? I seem but tarrying For one who doth a message bring. Who meets me in the way, whose face Is radiant with an angel’s grace? Smiling, he saith in underbreath: “I am thy foe long dreaded,—Death.” “O Death, sweet Death, and is it thou I called mine enemy but now?” I place my trusting palms in his, And lift my chill lips for his kiss. “Press close, be near me to the end, When all are fled, my one true friend!” “Yea, friend,” he answereth. “All, and more Than all I took, do I restore— Blossom and jewel, youth and hope; And see, this little key doth ope The shining portal that we see, Beyond which—love awaiteth thee.” “O blinded eyes! Ah, foolish heart! Adieu, dear Death—one kiss! We part.”