Les Revenants

Marie Van Vorst (1867–1936)

My only light is candle-lightFrom candles fitly setIn sconces, dazzling.Long threads, half melting, clingTo snowy candle-masts, and fretThe straight, slim forms, and I shall sitAlone, until the Spirit stirsThese lily lights (for they are conjurers).From the high corners, shadows flitAcross the floor: and One shall bringBack all my soul has loved and missed.And the dim others fade when we have kissed.But one remains, and I am one with it.

My only light is candle-lightFrom candles burning downTill each flame flickers into night.Is it the perfume slightFrom shadow hair and shadow gown

Unseals my long-locked senses? Or,Light touching hands and lips that fillFor me the waste of time, caress untilI live as I have lived before?

My only light shall be the candle's light,To summon shades and mysteriesUntil my solitary spirit seesYour shadow steal across the shining floor.