I Years had been from Home

I Years had been from Home And now before the Door I dared not enter, lest a Face I never saw before

Stare solid into mine And ask my Business there -- "My Business but a Life I left Was such remaining there?"

I leaned upon the Awe -- I lingered with Before -- The Second like an Ocean rolled And broke against my ear --

I laughed a crumbling Laugh That I could fear a Door Who Consternation compassed And never winced before.

I fitted to the Latch My Hand, with trembling care Lest back the awful Door should spring And leave me in the Floor --

Then moved my Fingers off As cautiously as Glass And held my ears, and like a Thief Fled gasping from the House --