RECOLLECTIONS

Years upon years, as a course of clouds that thicken

Thronging the ways of the wind that shifts and veers,

Pass, and the flames of remembered fires requicken

Years upon years.

Surely the thought in a man's heart hopes or fears

Now that forgetfulness needs must here have stricken

Anguish, and sweetened the sealed-up springs of tears.

Ah, but the strength of regrets that strain and sicken,

Yearning for love that the veil of death endears,

Slackens not wing for the wings of years that quicken -

Years upon years.