A Pause of Thought Christina Rossetti

I looked for that which is not, nor can be,
        And hope deferred made my heart sick in truth
        But years must pass before a hope of youth
                Is resigned utterly.

I watched and waited with a steadfast will:
        And though the object seemed to flee away
        That I so longed for, ever day by day
                I watched and waited still.

Sometimes I said: This thing shall be no more;
        My expectation wearies and shall cease;
        I will resign it now and be at peace:
                Yet never gave it o'er.

Sometimes I said: It is an empty name
        I long for; to a name why should I give
        The peace of all the days I have to live?--
                Yet gave it all the same.

Alas, thou foolish one! alike unfit
        For healthy joy and salutary pain:
        Thou knowest the chase useless, and again
                Turnest to follow it.