The poem
I came back late and tired last night Into my little room, To the long chair and the firelight And comfortable gloom.
But as I entered softly in I saw a woman there, The line of neck and cheek and chin, The darkness of her hair, The form of one I did not know Sitting in my chair.
I stood a moment fierce and still, Watching her neck and hair. I made a step to her; and saw That there was no one there.
It was some trick of the firelight That made me see her there. It was a chance of shade and light And the cushion in the chair.
Oh, all you happy over the earth, That night, how could I sleep? I lay and watched the lonely gloom; And watched the moonlight creep From wall to basin, round the room, All night I could not sleep.