At Bay

WIFE     Reach out your arms, and hold me close and fast.     Tell me there are no memories of your past     That mar this love of ours, so great, so vast.     HUSBAND     Some truths are cheapened when too oft averred.     Does not the deed speak louder than the word?     (Dear God, that old dream woke again and stirred.)     WIFE     As you love me, you never loved before?     Though oft you say it, say it yet once more.     My heart is jealous of those days of yore.     HUSBAND     Sweet wife, dear comrade, mother of my child,     My life is yours by memory undefiled.     (It stirs again, that passion brief and wild.)     WIFE     You never knew a happier hour than this?     We two alone, our hearts surcharged with bliss,     Nor other kisses, sweet as my own kiss?     HUSBAND     I was a thirsty field, long parched with drouth;     You were the warm rain, blowing from the south.     (But, ah, the crimson madness of HER mouth!)     WIFE     You would not, if you could, go down life's track     For just one little moment and bring back     Some vanished rapture that you miss or lack?     HUSBAND     I am content.    You are my life, my all.     (One burning hour, but one, could I recall;     God, how men lie when driven to the wall!)