Meeting of Ghosts

When years have passed, is't wise to meet again?

Body and Mind have changed; and is it wise

To take old Time, the Alterer, by surprise,

And see how he has worked in human grain?

We think that what once was, must still remain;

Ourself a ghost, we bid a ghost arise;

Two spectres look into each other's eyes,

And break the image that their hearts contain.

Mix not the Past and Present: let the Past

Remain in peace within its jewelled shrine,

And drag it not into the hum and glare;

Mix not two faces in the thoughts that last;

The one thou knewest, fair in every line,

And one unknown, which may be far from fair.