Classic Poem

I

When in the garden-walk you stayed
Beside the rose-bush, grace to grace,
I saw the happy rose persuade
A sister-fragrance in your face.

Who would not wish to pluck it for you
So utterly you twain were one!
But my slow heart, delaying o'er you.
Only wished — till you were gone.

In memory I have my will!
Still in the garden-walk you stand;
By the rose-bush I see you still;
And now the rose is in your hand.

II

When in the garden of your days
You took the scent of flower and vine —
Your summer-bloom of love and praise —
And paused beside this heart of mine,

I saw your eyes upon me darken,
My sorrow dimmed them unaware;
My mirrored hope that you would harken,
My frustrate silence, I saw there.

Ah, to be master only of
The rhetoric of memory!
Now in my dream I tell my love,
Now in my dream you hark to me.

III

And since you died, I seek in vain
Words for my grief to labor through;
For all my eloquence of pain
Turns inward, and remembers you.