Regret

Shimmer of rose and pearl,

Sheen on an opal sky;

Day's crimson banners unfurl,

Purple-pleached shadow-gleams die;

Dawn flowers bourgeoning fair,

Meads with the dawn-dews wet;

Rare is the morn — ah, rare!

But in the heart, regret —

A vague regret.

Clouds like the scattered snow

Stippling a sapphire sky;

Fervor and heat and glow,

Zephyrs that swoon and die.

Drowseth the nooning air

On meads with red poppies set;

Fair is the day — ah, fair!

But in the heart, regret —

And still... regret.

Flashes of burning gold,

Flushes of crimson light

Faint on a waning wold,

Stealeth the silent night.

One from a casement bar

Leaneth with lashes wet,

Watching the last wan star

Fade like a heart's regret —

A vain regret.