The Abandoned Garden

THE ABANDONED GARDEN Winter has settled in my garden, Why did I not see the frost arrive? Ashamed, I begged the flowers' pardon, But the roses are barely alive As I lift each flower, the petals fall Upon the ground that once nurtured them; Summer's calm became a wintry squall, A chilling frost has weakened the stem And now the ground is covered in ice, The tender buds have withered and died; For what purpose was their sacrifice? Such loathsome things leave me mystified! My heart has not shifted its season, Steady in its clime it still remains, Love's broken promise - the heart's treason - Caused the killing frost and icy rains Witnessing my joy and grief collide, Swift-winged angels urged me to depart This garden where once love had denied Loneliness admittance to my heart Why does the refulgent moon still crest O'er that path where I first touched his face? Where even Death would be deemed a guest Were I to expire in Love's embrace But to that garden I'll not return, I've locked the gate and destroyed the key; Time will quell my longings as they churn, Time will heal this searing agony Love has turned me bitter, though more wise, Yet, the wisdom of love comes too late: Each night, waiting for the moon to rise, Darkness finds me standing at that gate