bittersweet shadows.
21
Was the date of yesterday?
Years since then have slipt away;
Few such memories they bare.
Years since then have slipt away;
Few such memories they bare.
No to-days like that remain:
Joy is flavored now with pain;
For the best of all our crew,—
Helmsman, gentlest passenger,—
Lie so still they will not stir,
Though the sea should drench them through.
Joy is flavored now with pain;
For the best of all our crew,—
Helmsman, gentlest passenger,—
Lie so still they will not stir,
Though the sea should drench them through.
So our shallop floats no more
Where the low, vine-tangled shore
Dips its orange-golden fruit
To the plashing of the wave:
Only white flowers for a grave,
Now our serious hands will suit.
Where the low, vine-tangled shore
Dips its orange-golden fruit
To the plashing of the wave:
Only white flowers for a grave,
Now our serious hands will suit.
Still the sun shines, and we drift
Homeward on the current swift,
Those who went before to meet.
All things beautiful grow sad:
Yet even grief is sometimes glad;—
Shade us, Life, with bittersweet!
Homeward on the current swift,
Those who went before to meet.
All things beautiful grow sad:
Yet even grief is sometimes glad;—
Shade us, Life, with bittersweet!
