I FIVE months ago the stream did flow, The lilies bloomed within the sedge, And we were lingering to and fro, Where none will track thee in this snow, Along the stream, beside the hedge. Ah, Sweet, be free to love and go! For if I do not hear thy foot, The frozen river is as mute, The flowers have dried down to the root: And why, since these be changed since May, Shouldst thou change less than they? II And slow, slow as the winter snow The tears have drifted to mine eyes; And my poor cheeks, five months ago Set blushing at thy praises so, Put paleness on for a disguise. Ah, Sweet, be free to praise and go! For if my face is turned too pale, It was thine oath that first did fail, -- It was thy love proved false and frail, -- And why, since these be changed enow, Should I change less than thou? | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A PROBLEM IN AESTHETICS by KAREN SWENSON THE SEALS IN PENOBSCOT BAY by KAREN SWENSON INTO BATTLE by JULIAN GRENFELL THE HOUSE OF LIFE: 69. AUTUMN IDLENESS by DANTE GABRIEL ROSSETTI DOVE RIVER ANTHOLOGY, BY OWN WILLIAM WORDSWORTH: LUCY GRAY by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS |