Page:Roden Noel - A Little Child's Monument - 1881.pdf/20



the mavis and the merle Lavish their full hearts in song; Peach and almond boughs unfurl White and purple bloom along A blue burning air, All is very fair: But ah! the silence and the sorrow! I may not borrow Any anodyne for grief From the joy of flower or leaf, No healing to allay my pain From the cool of air or rain; Every sweet sound grew still, Every fair colour pale, When his life began to wane! They may never live again! A child's voice and visage will Evermore about me fail; And my weary feet will go Labouring as in deep snow: Though the year with glowing wine