Classic Poem

Sweetheart, do you remember how
One evening, years ago,
I held you where I found you, with both my arms around you,
Close to my heart as now,
And kissed you, dearest, so, and so?

The golden summer sun had set,
But through the sifting gray
There blushed a purple glimmer that dimmer grew and dimmer,
While low to westward fluttered yet
Torn banners of the fleeing day.

A subtle sadness filled the hour,
Or so it seemed to me,
Which flitting breezes often vainly essayed to soften,
With scents from many a garden flower,
And many a rifled locust tree.

I spoke of love in awkward wise,
And waited as one might
To hear God's answer given awarding hell or heaven,
And you — you said: " Look in my eyes. "
I looked, and lo! there came no night.

Dear stars of love, that all these years
Have beamed on me alone!
Bright suns, that cheer me whether 'tis fair or cloudy weather,
And paint with rainbow hues our tears;
Deep wells of truth — look up, my own!