University of Virginia Library


45

MEMORY.

As lonely bird upon the mountain side,
As west wind free, with every trouble fled,
In thought as still as clouds, emotion dead!
With passiveness my soul and body glide,
Drinking the peace that nature cannot hide.
When suddenly, as by magician's wand,
Another scene o'erspread this barren land,
From long forgotten past; strange pains divide
Sad empire with sweet peace and overcast
The long dark shadows, leaving lurid light
Of love in mine own soul, whose embers shone,
But now, since earthly peace may never last,
Behold, alas! how piteous is the sight,
Of barren love on mountain top alone.