I HAD a dream -- the summer beam Play'd on the wings of merry hours -- (@3Made long long smiles of merry hours@1); But Life 'gan throw a warp of woe, Across its tapestry of flowers, Fear's darker shade took form and made -- Like shadows darkling in light most sparkling. The fragrant tombs amid the blooms Of April in a garden ground Show'd many a name that none could clai Half-read between the roses round. Unbanish'd clouds like coffin-shrouds Neighbour'd the sun amid the blue, And tearful streams mix'd with his beams, Yet made no promise as they flew. Young Hope indeed began to read The prophecies with cheerful look, But dark Despair look'd over there, And wept black blots upon her book. And scarce the form all bright and warm Of Joy was woven into birth When, like her shade, black Grief was laid Prone at her feet along the earth. Then do not chide -- the sunny side Of monuments for Joy is made, But Sorrow still must weep her fill On those that lie beneath the shade. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...GREEK ARCHITECTURE by HERMAN MELVILLE SINCERE FLATTERY OF R.B. by JAMES KENNETH STEPHEN WHISPERS OF HEAVENLY DEATH by WALT WHITMAN IDYLL 15. THE EPITHALAMIUM OF ACHILLES AND DEIDAMIA by BION A WOMAN'S SONNETS: 4 by WILFRID SCAWEN BLUNT |