Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A LEAF, by ELLA WHEELER WILCOX


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A LEAF, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Somebody said, in the crowd, last eve
Last Line: When somebody mentioned your name last night
Alternate Author Name(s): Wilson, Robert, Mrs.
Subject(s): Hearts; Love; Names; Summer


Somebody said, in the crowd, last eve,
That you were married, or soon to be.
I have not thought of you, I believe,
Since last we parted. Let me see:
Five long Summers have passed since then --
Each has been pleasant in its own way --
And you are but one of a dozen men
Who have played the suitor a Summer day.

But, nevertheless, when I heard your name,
Coupled with some one's, not my own,
There burned in my bosom a sudden flame,
That carried me back to the day that is flown
I was sitting again by the laughing brook,
With you at my feet, and the sky above,
And my heart was fluttering under your look --
The unmistakable look of Love.

Again your breath, like a South wind, fanned
My cheek, where the blushes came and went;
And the tender clasp of your strong, warm hand
Sudden thrills through my pulses sent.
Again you were mine by Love's own right --
Mine forever by Love's decree:
So for a moment it seemed last night,
When somebody mentioned your name to me.

Just for the moment I thought you mine --
Loving me, wooing me, as of old.
The tale remembered seemed half divine --
Though I held it lightly enough when told.
The past seemed fairer than when it was near,
As "Blessings brighten when taking flight;"
And just for the moment I held you dear --
When somebody mentioned your name last night





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net