WHEN AGE COMES ON

When Age comes on!--

The deepening dusk is where the dawn

Once glittered splendid, and the dew

In honey-drips, from red rose-lips

Was kissed away by me and you.--

And now across the frosty lawn

Black foot-prints trail, and Age comes on--

And Age comes on!

And biting wild-winds whistle through

Our tattered hopes--and Age comes on!

When Age comes on!--

O tide of raptures, long withdrawn,

Flow back in summer-floods, and fling

Here at our feet our childhood sweet,

And all the songs we used to sing!...

Old loves, old friends--all dead and gone--

Our old faith lost--and Age comes on--

And Age comes on!

Poor hearts! have we not anything

But longings left when Age comes on!

[Illustration]

[Illustration]