On The Doorstep by Thomas Hardy Lyrics

The rain imprinted the step's wet shine
With target-circles that quivered and crossed
As I was leaving this porch of mine;
When from within there swelled and paused
         A song's sweet note;
   And back I turned, and thought,
         "Here I'll abide."

The step shines wet beneath the rain,
Which prints its circles as heretofore;
I watch them from the porch again,
But no song-notes within the door
         Now call to me
   To shun the dripping lea
         And forth I stride.

Jan. 1914.