You had only
To open the door
To bring me the self
I was before.
I thought I should never
See her again;
I thought she was hidden
From women and men.
Her eyes had been bright
As the sun on water;
She sang as blithe
As an elf-king’s daughter.
I had hoped — and then
I had stopped hoping.
The years ran downward,
Still and sloping.
But on that autumn night
I knew —
The self I was
Came in with you.