I

Once I could love this season of the year,

And watch the calm and delicate decline

Of Summer gladly; I could see the pine

Deep green on bluest sky, and laugh for cheer

Of very living. Yet I’d fain appear

Th’ unhurried gourmet, tasting of my wine,

Lingering o’er memories of the purpled vine,

Loath for each passing moment. Ah, my dear,

Now like a careless child, I toss the hours

Over my shoulder, I forget the sun,

The dewy dawn, the white moon and the flowers.

Like a tired pilgrim with his goal in view,

Looking not right nor left, I run, I run

To that bright day of days that brings me you.