OH, Love, he went a-straying, A long time ago! I missed him in the Maying, When blossoms were of snow; So back I came by the old sweet way; And for I loved him so, wept that he came not with me, A long time ago! Wide open stood my chamber door, And one stepped forth to greet; Gray Grief, strange Grief, who turned me sore With words he spake so sweet. I gave him meat; I gave him drink; (And listened for Love's feet.) How many years? I cannot think; In truth, I do not know -- Ah, long time ago! Oh, Love, he came not back again, Although I kept me fair; And each white May, in field and lane, I waited for him there! Yea, he forgot; but Grief stayed on, And in Love's empty chair Doth sit and tell of days long gone -- 'Tis more than I can bear! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...FIVE EYES by WALTER JOHN DE LA MARE A BETTER RESURRECTION by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI THE INDIAN SERENADE by PERCY BYSSHE SHELLEY WINTERTIME by ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON LOVE IN A COTTAGE by NATHANIEL PARKER WILLIS TO THE CUCKOO (1) by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH OTHER SPRINGS by ROSEMARY BASEFLUG CLIO, NINE ECLOGUES IN HONOUR OF NINE VIRTUES: 5. OF TEMPERANCE by WILLIAM BASSE |