Classic Poem

With golden-rod, in sunny glow
I decked, one day, my plain black dress;
It seemed upon my face to throw
A reflex of its loveliness.

I felt the mantling color rise:
His guarded looks were grave, indeed;
But there was something in his eyes,
A something that I dared not read.

Ah! golden-rod, fair golden-rod,
You did not bloom in blooming spring;
When lightly through the fields I trod;
When violets were blossoming.

Ah! golden-rod, bright golden-rod,
Why bloomed you not in blooming spring?
You come too late in field and wood;
I dare not take the gift you bring.

I tore its beauty from my breast:
I strewed its blossoms on the sod:
But tenderly I laid to rest,
In keeping safe, its slender rod.

Ah me! how golden was its glow:
It lighted up my sombre dress;
And seemed upon my life to throw
A reflex of its loveliness.

One brought me bitter-sweet that day:
" Alas! " I cried, " the gift is meet. "
I threw the golden-rod away,
And now I wear the bitter-sweet.