Holly had an eager glance tonight;
She probed my eyes, attended to my hands,
as if she thinks I know the master’s touch
to make her pour out some unearthly song
and almost paint the air with gold and light!
It’s true she’d play for me; almost demands
that she be played. This girl’s suspense is such
as tunes my violin strings taught and long.

A shame she’ll never know my mastery:
it’s just that candor cries, but doesn’t sell.
A louder violin won’t always do,
For worthier instruments have subtlety
and when the whole world sees your choice…ah well -
There’s nothing like a girl in love with you.