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-