She looked as though she didn't see,
He looked as though he didn't care;
Yet I heard by telepathy
The story of a love as rare
As ever trembled in the air.
They must not speak, they were afraid
Of what might happen: she might say
"Excuse me, sir," and turn her head
Should he comment upon the day -
"Nice weather," in a lover's way.
She could smile - as women can
With safety - but he might freeze.
So here the poet sought the plan
Of Dante, Petrarch - And for these
Mute lovers sang loves' mysteries.
(26 June 1943)
