LAST FIRE

Love, through your spirit and mine what summer eve

Now glows with glory of all things possess'd,

Since this day's sun of rapture filled the west

And the light sweetened as the fire took leave?

Awhile now softlier let your bosom heave,

As in Love's harbour, even that loving breast,

All care takes refuge while we sink to rest,

And mutual dreams the bygone bliss retrieve.

Many the days that Winter keeps in store,

Sunless throughout, or whose brief sun-glimpses

Scarce shed the heaped snow through the naked trees.

This day at least was Summer's paramour,

Sun-coloured to the imperishable core

With sweet well-being of love and full heart's ease.