Classic Poem

A raven flew over the house-top,
In the gloaming that heralds the night:
Far off snarled the threat of the thunder,
And the raven he croaked in his flight.

A raven flew over the house-top,
And his shadow fell dark on my heart:
A voice, in its innermost chamber,
Said, " The angel of love must depart:

Too long you are calm in the sunshine,
And too long are the roses in bloom:
Time now for the rush of the tempest,
For the chill, and the blight, and the gloom." ...

Deserted the house is, and silent;
Night is drifting o'er woodland and wave:
And love, that was life's consecration,
Is a spectre that broods on a grave.