A Winter Night

Time outstretched its callous fingers And reclaimed my summer bouquet, While Death's apprentice wrings his hands, Waiting for his cue in this play The hour has grown late - so be it - Life still calls and begs to be heard, Though eyes grow dim, yet my ears strain To hear Love's faintly uttered word My door now opens to strangers, I'm not concerned with their intent, A daring stance now pays my way, The coins of youth having been spent And what of love, that distant dream, Coming close, never touching me - This consoling thought I proffer: Keep faith, dear heart, it yet may be! And perhaps on some moonlit night With his arms clasped tightly 'round me, My love and I will speak with joy Of that winter night he found me Watching tender blossoms open, Though a frost lay thick on the bower, How we'll bless the borrowed sunshine Love granted in our winter hour! But should this never come to pass, Who is there to blame for my plight? Just a fool, in her loneliness, Who dared to dream on a winter night