The town I knew is sunk from sight, The waves above it flow; And still the streets are laved in light— The light of long ago. It nestles warm among its trees, As comes and goes the day; 'Tis peopled with the fantasies That charm and cheat decay. I seek here what I cannot find, What will not come I crave— The recognition that would bind And make my heart a slave. The pleasant nod is not for me, Unstirred the placid face; The generation that I see Hath other trysting place. The homes oft visited before Are unfamiliar grown; The church's long-frequented door Remembers not its own. The schoolroom is a haunted house; The creaking floors are whist; No pupil lingers but the mouse, Who will not be dismissed. Yet Fortune's visage doth not lack A smile to match its frown; The dial's shadow travels back Whereon it was gone down. Impetuous boyhood comes again With reckless rush and shout. Transfigured at the flaming pane, Unaging youth looks out. The dwelling place my own so long Withdraws its threshold bar— Its memories about me throng; The days that are not, are. My loved ones give me olden cheer, Unfaltering love and trust; One moment they are gathered here, The next and they are dust. O vanished city of my youth! Eternal are thy years. Thy sorrows are my joys in truth; Thy happiness my tears. |