There lay the pond, still willow-bound,
On whose bright surface, when the hot
Noon burnt above, we chased the knot
Of water-spiders; while around
Our heads, like bits of rainbow, shot
The dragonflies without a sound.
The pond, above which evening bent
To gaze upon her rosy face;
Wherein the twinkling night would place
A vague, inverted firmament,
In which the green frogs tuned their bass,
And firefly sparkles came and went.
The oldtime woods we often ranged,
When we were playmates, you and I;
The oldtime fields, with boyhood's sky
Still blue above them!—Naught was changed!
Nothing!—Alas, then tell me why
Should we be? whom long years estranged.
Waiting.
Come to the hills, the woods are green—
The heart is high when Love is sweet—
There is a brook that flows between
Two mossy trees where we can meet,
Where we can meet and speak unseen.
I hear you laughing in the lane—
The heart is high when Love is sweet—
The clover smells of sun and rain
And spreads a carpet for our feet,
Where we can sit and dream again.
Come to the woods, the dusk is here—
The heart is high when Love is sweet—
A bird upon the branches near
Sets music to our hearts' glad beat,
Our hearts that beat with something dear.
I hear your step; the lane is passed;—
The heart is high when Love is sweet—
The little stars come bright and fast,
Like happy eyes to see us greet,
To see us greet and kiss at last.