Classic Poem

A DEEP and a mighty shadow
Across my heart is thrown,
Like the cloud on a summer meadow,
Where the Thunder-wind hath blown:
The wild-rose, Fancy, dieth,
The sweet-bird, Memory, flieth,
And leaveth me alone,—

Alone with my hopeless Sorrow;
No other mate I know!
I strive to awake To-morrow:
But the dull words will not flow!
I pray,—but my prayers are driven
Aside by the angry Heaven,
And weigh me down with woe!

I call on the Past, to lend me
Its songs, to soothe my pain:
I bid the dim Future send me
A light from its eyes,—in vain!
Nought comes; but a shrill cry starteth
From Hope, as she fast departeth;
“I go, and come not again!”