I dreamed that I sat in my chamber
And watched the dancing light
Of the blaze upon my hearthstone,
And the red brands, glowing bright.
I listened to the rustle
Of the flames that rose and fell,
And I dreamed I heard a whisper,
A voice I knew full well.
The room no more was lonely,
A Presence sweet was there,
A girlish figure, standing,
Beside my own arm-chair.
I dreamed I spoke, and trembling
Lest she should prove to be
The creature of a vision,
I bade her sit by me.
Her grave brown eyes she lifted,
Her dear hand placed in mine,—
The air was sweet with incense
Of odorous birch and pine,—
And as we watched together
Those eager, dancing flames,
We talked of days forgotten,
And spoke our childish names.
I dreamed that heaven seemed nearer,
The skies a lovelier blue,
Then—was it still a vision?—
I dreamed my dream came true!