Faded Pictures

Only two patient eyes to stare             Out of the canvas. All the rest--             The warm green gown, the small hands pressed             Light in the lap, the braided hair             That must have made the sweet low brow             So earnest, centuries ago,             When some one saw it change and glow--             All faded! Just the eyes burn now.             I dare say people pass and pass             Before the blistered little frame,             And dingy work without a name             Stuck in behind its square of glass.             But I, well, I left Raphael             Just to come drink these eyes of hers,             To think away the stains and blurs             And make all new again and well.             Only, for tears my head will bow,             Because there on my heart's last wall,             Scarce one tint left to tell it all,             A picture keeps its eyes, somehow.