Edward Sapir

From “Backwater”

I WAS nothing, though I had a kind of pain or feeling—

I knew her hair—

I think it might be said I knew too well, but I was nothing

To her but air.

That other one, he knew her eyes with only half a knowing—

I knew her eyes—

I think it might be said I knew too well whom he was loving.

Yes, he was wise.

Oh well, and they are wed—I might indulge in grieving or in smiling—

I hardly dare.

You see, it wasn’t very much I was to her—nothing,

Nothing but air.