I Years Had Been From Home

Lyrics

I—Years—had been—from Home— And now—before the Door— I dared not open—lest a face I never saw before Stare vacant into mine— And ask my Business there— My Business—just a Life I left— Was such—still dwelling there? I fumbled at my nerve— I scanned the Windows o'er— The Silence—like an Ocean rolled— And broke against my Ear— I laughed a Wooden laugh— That I—could fear a Door— Who Danger—and the Dead—had faced— But never shook—before— I fitted to the Latch—my Hand— With trembling Care— Lest back the Awful Door should spring— And leave me—in the Floor— I moved my fingers off, As cautiously as Glass— And held my Ears—and like a Thief Fled gasping from the House-