Thomas Hardy

In the Mind’s Eye

That was once her casement,
And the taper nigh,
Shining from within there,
Beckoned, ‘Here am I!’

Now, as then, I see her
Moving at the pane;
Ah; ’tis but her phantom
Borne within my brain! –

Foremost in my vision
Everywhere goes she;
Change dissolves the landscapes,
She abides with me.

Shape so sweet and shy, Dear,
Who can say thee nay?
Never once do I, Dear,
Wish thy ghost away.