The Old Road to Paradise/Vain Hiding

by Margaret Widdemer

VAIN HIDING

I said: "I shall find peace now, for my love has never been
 Here in the little room, in the quiet place;
The walls shall not quiver around me, nor fires begin,
 And I shall forget his voice and perhaps his face
 And be still for a little space."

But the thought of my love beat wild against the silencing doors
 There in the quivering air, in the throbbing room,
Till his step strode quick and light against the echoing floors
 And the light of his voice was there for the placid gloom
 And his presence a shed perfume.

So I said: "There is no peace more, for the place can never be
 Where the thought of him cannot come, cannot burn me thro',
For the thought of his touch is my flesh, and his voice is a voice in me,
 And what is the use of all you may say or do
 When love is a part of you?"