SPRING
Reading edition
Once when my life was young, I, too, with Spring's bright face By mine, walked softly along, Pace to his pace. Then burned his crimson may, Like a clear flame outspread, Arching our happy way: Then would he shed Strangely from his wild face Wonderful light on me— Like hounds that keen in chase Their quarry see. Oh, sorrow now to know What shafts, what keenness cold His are to pierce me through, Now that I'm old.