A Death-Parting

LEAVES and rain and the days of the year,

(Water-willow and wellaway,)

All these fall, and my soul gives ear,

And she is hence who once was here.

(With a wind blown night and day.)

Ah! but now, for a secret sign,

(The willow's wan and the water white,)

In the held breath of the day's decline

Her very face seemed pressed to mine.

(With a wind blown day and night.)

O love, of my death my life is fain;

(The willows wave on the water-way,)

Your cheek and mine are cold in the rain,

But warm they'll be when we meet again.

(With a wind blown night and day.)

Mists are heaved and cover the sky;

(The willows wail in the waning light,)

O loose your lips, leave space for a sigh,—

They seal my soul, I cannot die.

(With a wind blown day and night.)

Leaves and rain and the days of the year,

(Water-willow and wellaway,)

All still fall, and I still give ear,

And she is hence, and I am here.

(With a wind blown night and day.)