“WHEN SPRING” A BALLAD OF LOVE
Reading edition
I
When spring was in her heart beat, Her lover came from sea; She gave him passion’s lily cup, He gave her thistles three.
II
When spring was in her heart beat, He filled their lily cup With bitter dew and star dust And frozen spray to sup.
III
When spring was in her heart beat, He snared the only star Still racing on her dream path: Now other thistles are!
IV
He said a little tinsel Would serve her last journee, And nailed a glittering handful Upon a willow tree.
V
Now death drags at her heart beat She sees gray branches weep; They drip but ashen starlight, Singing, “Sleep! Sleep! Sleep!”