A Song for the Asking

A song! What songs have died   Upon the earth, Voices of love and pride—   Of tears and mirth? Fading as hearts forget,   As shadows flee! Vain is the voice of song,     And yet—       I sing to thee! A song! What ocean shell   Were silent long, If in thy touch might dwell   Its all of song? A song? Then near my heart   Thy cheek must be, For, like the shell, it sings—     Sweet Heart—       To thee, of thee!