Cherished Illusions

Again the wonder-story is told.
Is she who listens woman or vision?
I know the braidings of sunrise gold,
The tranquil gaze of azure elysian —
Such gold and azure as though the skies
Had rained their glory in braids and eyes.

Have all the cruel, malignant years
Been merely slumber, nightmare, illusion?
Has it only seemed that love was tears?
That hope was mockery, life confusion?
That those who purposed to walk together
Have walked apart through misery's weather?

Is it true that I am all I was
In days when joy partook of madness?
That I have broken destiny's laws
And torn from death a vanished gladness?
Yea, all the happiness long as life
I dreamed to win in dreaming her wife?

O let me believe the false to-day!
No boding glance! no cruel negation!
Believe with me, Blondine, and say,
The morrow brings no separation.
Endow me richly, O love! my treasure,
With all that dreams can coin of pleasure.

O fair illusions of long ago!
O why return in guise of a maiden?
Too many the broken hopes I know
Since Yahveh drave me forth from Aidenn;
Too many phantoms and winning guiles
Follow and mock with remembered smiles.