WHY

Why do eyes that were tender,

Averted, turn away?

Why has our dear love's splendour

All faded into gray?

Why is it that lips glow not

That late were all aglow?

I know not, dear, I know not,

I only know‘ tis so.

Why do you no more tremble

Now when I kiss your cheek?

Why do we both dissemble

The thoughts we used to speak?

Why is it that words flow not

That used to fondly flow?

I know not, dear, I know not,

I only know‘ tis so.

Have we outlived the passion

That late lit earth and sky?

And is this but the fashion

A fond love takes to die?

Is it, that we shall know not

Again love's rapture glow?

I trust not, sweet, I trust not —

And yet it may be so.