Once I walked the world enchanted
Through the scented woods of spring,
Hand in hand with Love, in rapture
Just to hear a bluebird sing.
–
Now the lonely winds of autumn
Moan about my gusty eaves,
As I sit beside the fire
Listening to the flying leaves.
–
As the dying embers settle
And the twilight falls apace,
Through the gloom I see a vision
Full of ardor, full of grace.
–
When the Architect of Beauty
Breathed the lyric soul in man,
Lo, the being that he fashioned
Was of such a mould and plan!
–
Bravely through the deepening shadows
Moves that figure half divine,
With its tenderness of bearing,
With its dignity of line.
–
Eyes more wonderful than evening
With the new moon on the hill,
Mouth with traces of God’s humor
In its corners lurking still.
–
Ah, she smiles, in recollection;
Lays a hand upon my brow;
Rests this head upon Love’s bosom!
Surely it is April now!
– A Fireside Vision by William Bliss Carman
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