In youth he wrought, with eyes ablur
Lorn-faced and long of hair —
In youth — in youth he painted her
A sister of the air —
Could clasp her not, but felt the stir
Of pinions everywhere.
She lured his gaze, in braver days,
And tranced him sirenwise;
And he did paint her, through a haze
Of sullen paradise,
With scars of kisses on her face
And embers in her eyes.
And now — nor dream nor wild conceit —
Though faltering, as before —
Through tears he paints her, as is meet,
Tracing the dear face o'er
With lilied patience meek and sweet
As Mother Mary wore.