A LAMENT

Like a song that is sung, like a tale that is told,

The life in me hushes the voice of its gladness;

Youth walks by my side, but his hands have grown cold,

And deep in his eyes lurks the shadow of sadness.

Alas! for the flowers that never come to me;

Alas! for the morning again, now day closes;

The joy of a love is as nothing, for through me

There passes the deep-wounding thorn of the roses.