When a twinkling star slowly pales, And moonlight sprites in halos hide; When cicadas pipe more pensive tales, And toads in trees the moonbeams chide; When gardens fair seem strewn with stones, And peace upon no zephyr floats; When night winds lose their mellow tones To gruffly voice discordant notes -- 'Tis but our minds in mirage control; We image thus @3when love grows cold@1. When the heart you thought was deep and true Shows only greed for what you'll give, A tragic khamsin comes swift to you; The love flowers droop and cease to live. So suffers the soul with inward pain When those we hold in high esteem Break strands of faith for earthly gain And leave us to wake from blighted dream. The flowery copse and verdant wold Are arid sand @3when love grows cold@1. Man sought for joy through ages of old, Worshipped the sun and idols mute, Silvered his armor, lined temples with gold, Found Hesperian apples but bitterest fruit; Then Love incarnate set up a cross Illumined for guidance through error's black night. Now, safe is the pathway -- no danger of loss -- Full joy for the pilgrim who follows the light; But clouds of vain hope his soul will enfold, And sad be his fate, @3if his love grows cold@1. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE POPLAR FIELD by WILLIAM COWPER EPISTLE TO SIR ROBERT WALPOLE (1) by HENRY FIELDING THE IMPROVISATORE: ALBERT AND EMILY by THOMAS LOVELL BEDDOES PSALM 42 by OLD TESTAMENT BIBLE ECHOES OF SPRING: 9 by MATHILDE BLIND |