Classic Poem

All around was dumb and still,
— Dumb and still as any stone.
We went together over the hill,
— But I came back alone.

All around was gray and dun,
— Gray and dun by sea and shore.
When twilight fell, my love saw one,
— Where she saw two before.

All around was barren ground,
— Barren ground lay far and near.
I left him with a gaping wound,
— And what had I to fear?

When she asks me what befell,
— What befell on Lady Day,
I, her lord, that love her well,
— Whisper in her ear and say —

" All around was dumb and still,
— Dumb and still as any stone.
We went together over the hill,
— But I came back alone. "