I was awakened from a restless sleep By a spectre at the foot of my bed; The curtains were parted, the moon shone bright Forming a halo around his head
There was a strange familiarity, And boldly I bid him come nearer, That look of anguish, those desolate eyes -- Things I've often seen in my mirror
What pity I felt for this transient guest With the moonlight on him overspread, He said not a word, but I seemed to know Why he stood at the foot of my bed
I extended my arms and drew him close And held him while he cried through the night; Obeying the sun, the moon summoned the stars, And with dawn's first rays they all took flight
Once again a new day found me alone, But what strange thoughts circled 'round my head: Had I been dreaming, or had there indeed Appeared this phantom beside my bed?
There was a presence in my room that night --- The Spirit of Love's longed-for caress; And the pillow under my head was moist With tears of defeat and hopelessness. So throbs the deep wound of Reality . . . I'd been embracing my own loneliness!