After Love

The hush between the midnight trees Is softer now that you are gone— No echoes in the sighing breeze, No footfalls on my waiting lawn. I kissed your name upon the air, It vanished on my breast laid bare; The stars looked on with silver stare, And bowed before the rising moon. A hush of loss, a quiet ache That burns with more than flame or fire— What once was joy begins to break And leaves behind a dim desire. I do not weep, I do not call, But still the night is strangely wide— The silver-threaded moon sees all, And dreams you sleeping by my side. Yet love has left—where can I hide?