Classic Poem

O Love, he went a-straying,
A long time ago!
I missed him in the Maying,
When blossoms were of snow;
So back I came by the old sweet way;
And for I loved him so,
I wept that he came not with me,
A long time ago!

Wide open stood my chamber door,
And one stepped forth to greet;
Gray Grief, strange Grief, who turned me sore
With words he spake so sweet.
I gave him meat, I gave him drink;
(And listened for Love's feet).
How many years? I cannot think;
In truth, I do not know —
A long time ago.

O Love, he came not back again,
Although I kept me fair;
And each white May, in field and lane,
I waited for him there!
Yea, he forgot; but Grief stayed on,
And in Love's empty chair
Doth sit and tell of days long gone —
'Tis more than I can bear.