REGRET.
Reading edition
I.
Violets in the Springtide gathered, To the child-heart prest, Treasured in the breast With a tender wistful joy, In their fading, fragrant yet:— A tearful sweet regret Of the early time.
II.
Glowing, wayward crimson roses, Shedding perfume rare O’er the summer air, With a canker at the heart And a stem where thorns are set:— O bitter-sweet regret Of the golden prime!
III.
Snowflakes falling through the darkness, Hiding out of sight Graves of past delight, Till the folded whiteness mocks Watching faces, wan and wet:— O mournful-sweet regret Of the wintry time.