The Poetical Works of George Barlow In Ten [Eleven] Volumes |
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 | The Poetical Works of George Barlow |  |
140
V. A YEAR OF LOVE
I
A year of love, and not one quarrel yet!Most strange it seems to some that this should be.
Nothing to pain us! nothing to regret!
Bright sunlight in the eyes that gaze at me!
II
Yet this is as it should be. Life is short:Not long enough to make a loved one weep.
We love in sober earnest, not in sport;
Where quiet waters flow, the stream runs deep.
III
Love, who hast aided where so many failedAnd given me rest and solace for awhile,
Light in the evening skies where sunshine paled,
At sunset's hour the sunrise of thy smile;
141
IV
Love, whom for thy sweet soul's sake I esteemSeeing all the truth and pureness of thine heart
And in thine eyes fulfilment of love's dream,
Peace follows thee and sojourns where thou art.
V
Thine hazel eyes, so trustful and serene,Have wondrous power to soothe me and to bless.
The night needs stars: I need thee, O my queen,—
Thy look, thy laughter, and thy soft caress.
VI
Life unto me is now an open scroll;Life to thine eyes is still a tale unread:
I can expound life's mysteries to thy soul
And guard, while worshipping, thy young proud head.
VII
In all thy pride of beauty I am proud;Proud when that stately snow-white neck I see,
Like some superb sweet lily untouched, unbowed,
Sovereign to all, but bending over me:
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VIII
Proud am I of the voice that rings and charmsThousands, my queen who givest the world delight;
Proud am I of thy throat and rounded arms
And hair more fragrant than a summer night:
IX
Proud am I most of all that, while dark daysHave spread wide wings of gloom o'er land and sea
This winter, thou with April in thy gaze
Hast given the springtide of thy love to me.
| The Poetical Works of George Barlow | |