At Columbine's Grave

AH, Pierrot, Where is thy Columbine? What vandal could untwine That gay rose-rope of thine, And spill thy joy like wine, Poor Pierrot? Ah, Pierrot, The moon is rising red Above thy grief-bowed head; Thy roses are all shed. And Columbine is dead! Poor Pierrot! Ah, Pierrot, Kneel down beside her tomb. The gray wind of the gloom, In the world's empty room, Has shut the door of doom. Poor Pierrot! Ah, Pierrot, Is there not one sweet word Of brook or breeze or bird A mortal ever heard, Could cheer thee—not one word, Poor Pierrot? Ah, Pierrot, A thousand times the spring Will come to dance and sing Up the green earth, and bring Joy to each living thing, Poor Pierrot! But, Pierrot, When all that pomp shall pass Her lowly house in the grass, Will any say, 'Alas, Poor Columbine; alas, Poor Pierrot'? Ah, Pierrot, Thy loving tears in vain Shall fall like quiet rain For her; till the stars wane, She will not come again, Poor Pierrot. Yet, Pierrot, The mighty Mother now Hath her in care somehow. Listen, and clear that brow: 'O earthling, grieve not thou, Poor Pierrot! 'Ah, Pierrot, Here on my cool green floor I do transmute, restore, All things once fair before To beauty more and more. Poor Pierrot!'