WHEN AGE COMES ON

When Age comes on!—

The deepening dusk is where the dawn

Once glittered splendid, and the dew

In honey-drips, from red rose-lips

Was kissed away by me and you.—

And now across the frosty lawn

Black foot-prints trail, and Age comes on —

And Age comes on!

And biting wild-winds whistle through

Our tattered hopes — and Age comes on!

When Age comes on!—

O tide of raptures, long withdrawn,

Flow back in summer-floods, and fling

Here at our feet our childhood sweet,

And all the songs we used to sing!...

Old loves, old friends — all dead and gone —

Our old faith lost — and Age comes on —

And Age comes on!

Poor hearts! have we not anything

But longings left when Age comes on!