For the XV. Nocturne, by F. Chopin.
A Month of green and tender May,1
All woods and walks awake with flowers,2
Wide, sun-lit meadows for the day,3
And moon-bathed paths for evening hours.4
A bright brief dream that had no past,5
And of the future knew no fear ;6
A kiss at first, a sigh at last—7
Only last year.8
Another spring, dim loveless woods ;9
No farewell kiss, no parting tear ;10
No stone to mark where silence broods11
O’er the dead love we found so dear.12
But oh, to me the green seems gray,13
The budding branches all are sere,14
For sweet love’s sake, that died one day,15
Only last year.16