Page:Impressions- A Book of Verse.djvu/55

 IN DAYS GONE BY: RONDEAU REDOUBLÉ

N days gone by when you were here I little heeded what you said; I watched the skies above me clear, I listened to the thrush instead.

To this same spot my feet are led By thoughts of you another year The selfsame pine-trees rose overhead In days gone by, when you were here.

Their slender forms to-day they rear Aloft in the same beauty spread But ah! The thrush's song I fear!— I little heeded what you said.

And now, as starving man for bread, I'd spring to catch one word of cheer Yet when with love my heart you fed I watched the skies above me clear!

Once more on the same pine-leaves, sere And fragrant 'neath the summer's tread, I lie and think with many a tear "I listened to the thrush instead!"

I listened to the thrush instead. Yet could I now one accent hear Of that loved voice forever fled! . . . I knew not that you were so dear In days gone by!