Thy strong arms are around me, love 
My head is on thy breast; 
Low words of comfort come from thee 
Yet my soul has no rest.

For I am but a startled thing 
Nor can I ever be 
Aught save a bird whose broken wing 
Must fly away from thee.

I cannot give to thee the love 
I gave so long ago, 
The love that turned and struck me down 
Amid the blinding snow.

I can but give a failing heart 
And weary eyes of pain, 
A faded mouth that cannot smile 
And may not laugh again.

Yet keep thine arms around me, love, 
Until I fall to sleep; 
Then leave me, saying no goodbye 
Lest I might wake, and weep.