Now, and Then.
Birds are singing on bush and tree,1
Singing a thousand loves and joys ;2
Once, it was music sweet to me,3
Now, it seemeth only noise.4
Ah ! life’s music fled with him !5
Roses are blooming—once they were6
Fairest of wonders that Nature weaves ;7
Now their perfume makes faint the air,8
And, to me, they are just—red leaves.9
Ah ! life’s beauty faded with
him !10
Daylight dies, and the stars arise,11
Not as of old with hope-giving light ;12
Then, they looked loving, like human eyes,13
Now, they are pitiless, cold, and bright.14
Ah ! the brightest star has set !15