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1849–1916

SUSPENSE

James Whitcomb Riley

A woman's figure, on a ground of night Inlaid with sallow stars that dimly stare Down in the lonesome eyes, uplifted there As in vague hope some alien lance of light

Might pierce their woe. The tears that blind her sight — The salt and bitter blood of her despair — Her hands toss back through torrents of her hair And grip toward God with anguish infinite.

And O the carven mouth, with all its great Intensity of longing frozen fast In such a smile as well may designate The slowly murdered heart, that, to the last

Conceals each newer wound, and back at Fate Throbs Love's eternal lie — “Lo, I can wait!”

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SUSPENSE · James Whitcomb Riley · Poetry Cove