The Poetry Corner

Before Knowledge

By Thomas Hardy

When I walked roseless tracks and wide, Ere dawned your date for meeting me, O why did you not cry Halloo Across the stretch between, and say: "We move, while years as yet divide, On closing lines which - though it be You know me not nor I know you - Will intersect and join some day!" Then well I had borne Each scraping thorn; But the winters froze, And grew no rose; No bridge bestrode The gap at all; No shape you showed, And I heard no call!