Classic Poem

Some one came to me and said
Forget, forget that you've been wed
Who's your man to leave you be
Ill and cold in a far country
Who's the husband — who's the stone
Could leave a child like you alone.

You're like a leaf caught in the wind
You're like a lamb that's left behind.
When all the flock has pattered away
You're like a pitiful little stray
Kitten that I'd put in my vest
You're like a bird that's fallen from nest.

We've none of us too long to live
Then take me for your man and give
Me all the Keys to all your fears
And let me kiss away these tears
Creep close to me. I mean no harm
My darling. Let me make you warm.

I had received that very day
A letter from the Other to say
That in six months — he hoped — no longer
I would be so much better and stronger
That he would close his books and come
With radiant looks to bear me home.

Ha! Ha! Six months, six weeks, six hours
Among these glittering palms and flowers
With Melancholy at my side
For my old nurse and for my guide
Despair — and for my footman Pain —
I'll never see my home again.

Said my new husband: Little dear
It's time we were away from here
In the road below there waits my carriage
Ready to drive us to our marriage
Within my home the feast is spread
And the maids are baking the bridal bread.

I thought with grief upon that other
But then why should he aught discover
Save that I pined away and died?
So I became the stranger's bride
And every moment however fast
It flies — we live as 'twere our last!