A LEAF.

Somebody said, in the crowd, last eve,

That you were married, or soon to be.

I have not thought of you, I believe,

Since last we parted. Let me see:

Five long Summers have passed since then —

Each has been pleasant in its own way —

And you are but one of a dozen men

Who have played the suitor a Summer day.

But, nevertheless, when I heard your name,

Coupled with some one's, not my own,

There burned in my bosom a sudden flame,

That carried me back to the day that is flown.

I was sitting again by the laughing brook,

With you at my feet, and the sky above,

And my heart was fluttering under your look —

The unmistakable look of Love.

Again your breath, like a South wind, fanned

My cheek, where the blushes came and went;

And the tender clasp of your strong, warm hand

Sudden thrills through my pulses sent.

Again you were mine by Love's own right —

Mine forever by Love's decree:

So for a moment it seemed last night,

When somebody mentioned your name to me.

Just for the moment I thought you mine —

Loving me, wooing me, as of old.

The tale remembered seemed half divine —

Though I held it lightly enough when told.

The past seemed fairer than when it was near,

As “Blessings brighten when taking flight;”

And just for the moment I held you dear —

When somebody mentioned your name last night.