A Song

Oh, Love, he went a-straying,

A long time ago!

I missed him in the Maying,

When blossoms were of snow;

So back I came by the old sweet way;

And for I loved him so, wept that he came not with me,

A long time ago!

Wide open stood my chamber door,

And one stepped forth to greet;

Gray Grief, strange Grief, who turned me sore

With words he spake so sweet.

I gave him meat; I gave him drink;

(And listened for Love’s feet.)

How many years? I cannot think;

In truth, I do not know—

Ah, long time ago!

Oh, love, he came not back again,

Although I kept me fair;

And each white May, in field and lane,

I waited for him there!

Yea, he forgot; but Grief stayed on,

And in Love’s empty chair

Doth sit and tell of days long gone—

’Tis more than I can bear!