Even now the fragrant darkness of her hair br Had brushed my cheek; and once, in passing by, br Her hand upon my hand lay tranquilly: br What things unspoken trembled in the air! br br Always I know, how little severs me br From mine heart's country, that is yet so far; br And must I lean and long across a bar, br That half a word would shatter utterly? br br Ah might it be, that just by touch of hand, br Or speaking silence, shall the barrier fall; br And she shall pass, with no vain words at all, br But droop into mine arms, and understand!br br Ernest Christopher Dowsonbr br