Shirley

With gentle heart and quiet ways,
Alone in crowds it seems,
You worry with a purpose that
No soul alive esteems:
How can it be it's worth is real?
Yet, you've no time for dreams!

There is in your unresting soul
A thing against delay;
I do regret there's nothing gained
In asking you to stay;
Some ever urgent duty comes
To call you soon away.

And though I sense I know you not,
There's much to realize;
Beyond your timid smile I see
And through your soft goodbyes,
The secret hidden deep within
Your tender crystal eyes.

- Edna Huber (1971)