O LOVE, if you were here This dreary, weary day, -- If your lips, warm and dear, Found some sweet word to say, -- Then hardly would seem drear These skies of wintry gray. But you are far away, -- How far from me, my dear! What cheer can warm the day? My heart is chill with fear, Pierced through with swift dismay; A thought has turn'd Life sere: If you from far away Should come not back, my dear; If I no more might lay My hand on yours, nor hear That voice, now sad, now gay, Caress my listening ear; If you from far away Should come no more, my dear, -- Then with what dire dismay Year joined to hostile year Would frown, if I should stay Where memories mock and jeer! But I would come away To dwell with you, my dear; Through unknown worlds to stray, -- Or sleep; nor hope, nor fear, Nor dream beneath the clay Of all our days that were. |