WITHIN A YEAR

By George Parsons Lathrop

Lips that are met in love's

Devotion sweet,

While parting lovers passionately greet,

And earth through heaven's arc more swiftly moves —

Oh, will they be less dear

Within a year?

Eyes in whose shadow-spell

Far off I read

That which to lovers taking loving heed

Dear women's eyes full soon and plainly tell —

Oh, will you give such cheer

This time a year?

Behold! the dark year goes,

Nor will reveal

Aught of its purpose, if for woe or weal,

Swift as a stream that o'er the mill-weir flows:

Mayhap the end draws near

Within the year!

Yet, darling, once more touch

Those lips to mine.

Set on my life that talisman divine;

Absence, new friends, I fear not overmuch ——

Even Death, should he appear

Within the year!