Reminiscence

The rain was ending, and light Lifting the leaden skies. It shone upon ceiling and floor And dazzled a child's eyes. Pale after fever, a captive Apart from his schoolfellows, He stood at the high room's window With face to the pane pressed close, And beheld an immense glory Flooding with fire the drops Spilled on miraculous leaves Of the fresh green lime--tree tops. Washed gravel glittered red To a wall, and beyond it nine Tall limes in the old inn yard Rose over the tall inn sign. And voices arose from beneath Of boys from school set free, Racing and chasing each other With laughter and games and glee. To the boy at the high room--window, Gazing alone and apart, There came a wish without reason, A thought that shone through his heart. I'll choose this moment and keep it, He said to himself, for a vow, To remember for ever and ever As if it were always now.