PARTING
THE sky illumed by evening’s magic light
Reflected in the lake seems opal blue.
The autumn sun glows with a radiance bright
That gives to everything an orange hue.
The evening of the year draws on to night.
No sound of arms within this hallowed place
Comes to disturb us with the thought of strife.
Unhindered I may gaze upon your face,
My jewel of priceless worth—my Love—my Life—
Forgetting I must leave you for a space.
The woods around us, clothed in sombre gold,
Robed for the great Death Pageant of the year,
Grow dark. I strain you to my breast and hold
You there, whispering in your ear
Stories of love you know ere they are told.
Now I must go. But, when the blue-bells make
The woods a carpet azure as the sky,
Once more my darling in my arms I’ll take,
Once more we’ll be together—you and I—
And dream our dreams again and never wake.
ALDOUS HUXLEY
(BALLIOL)