The Rose-Jar

Derelicts

A year, a year, and then to miss
That which was all in all for aye;
O Love as fleeting as your kiss,
O Love forever and a day,

To this.

How such a change in one short year,
I cannot, cannot understand;
Oh, why to cast upon Love's bier,
Whose name was written in the sand,

This tear?

Why, when the fields were red with May
When you and I together swore;
Is May so very far away,
Was all so different then, before

Today?

And did the gods above then smile
When we believed that love would last,
Counting its heart-beats on the dial
Of hours that have too soon slipped past,

The while.

Two boats upon a sea of glass--
A little strength, a little trust;
Yet let the hand of Fate but pass,
Could they withstand the storm-cloud's gust,

Alas!

So, though not knowing, yet must I
Forget one day and feel no more
Your love, which dreamed not e'er