how can i wait until you come to me?

the once fleet mornings linger by the way,

their sunny smiles touched with malicious glee

at my unrest; they seem to pause, and play

like truant children, while i sigh and say,

how can i wait?

how can i wait? of old, the rapid hours

refused to pause or loiter with me long;

but now they idly fill their hands with flowers,

and make no haste, but slowly stroll among

the summer blooms, not heeding my one song,

how can i wait?

how can i wait? the nights alone are kind;

they reach forth to a future day, and bring

sweet dreams of you to people all my mind;

and time speeds by on light and airy wing.

i feast upon your face, i no more sing,

how can i wait?

how can i wait? the morning breaks the spell

a pitying night has flung upon my soul.

you are not near me, and i know full well

my heart has need of patience and control;

before we meet, hours, days, and weeks must roll.

how can i wait?

how can i wait? oh, love, how can i wait

until the sunlight of your eyes shall shine

upon my world that seems so desolate?

until your hand-clasp warms my blood like wine;

until you come again, oh, love of mine,

how can i wait?