XXXIV by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

With the same heart, I said, I’ll answer thee As those, when thou shalt call me by my name⁠— Lo, the vain promise! Is the same, the same, Perplexed and ruffled by life’s strategy? When called before, I told how hastily I dropped my flowers or brake off from a game. To run and answer with the smile that came At play last moment, and went on with me Through my obedience. When I answer now, I drop a grave thought⁠—break from solitude;⁠— Yet still my heart goes to thee⁠—ponder how⁠— Not as to a single good, but all my good! Lay thy hand on it, best one, and allow That no child’s foot could run fast as this blood.