Classic Poem

A Rose between two Hearts—by moonlight given!
What may so bright an augury forebode?
Type of the opening Spring and Star-lit Heaven
On Grief's gray twilight all in vain bestowed!

Aye! all in vain alas!—the smiling Spring
And the calm lustre of the starry skies
Nor Joy nor Hope nor Peace to Him can bring—
They're but as lovely scenes to sightless eyes!

The givers and the gift can but recall
The fading forms of long departed years
Visions of bliss all vanished—lost—all, all!
And ev'n their memory half-effaced by tears.

Aye! that same flower!—its hue—its scent have brought
Back on my soul a thousand nameless things
A long long train of melancholy thought
And maddening passion's fierce and fiery stings.

Such was the gift! … Down busy devil!—down!
Consume this soul in secret—if you must—
But though it's pangs no revelry can drown,
Feast like the worm that revels on the dust!

In darkness and in silence feast! … No more!—
Such thoughts should have no tongue—within their tomb
Let them bleed on, but without running o'er
No eye should mark and shudder at their gloom.

So, to our theme again!—that it may fling
Oblivion o'er a spirit wrung and riven,—
Farewell! sweet emblem of the blooming Spring
Farewell! calm type of the blue starry Heaven!

On Roses, woman's words, and moon-lighted nights,
Unnumbered, soft, sad tender memories dwell
Heart-treasured thoughts—unspeakable delights—
And all I may not utter—Fare ye well!