The Everlasting Snows

And shall it be that these undaunted snows That poise so lightly on the mountains' crest-- A lily laid to cheer its lonely breast-- Shall their chill smile still face the wind, that blows Across the field whereon no blossom grows, And light the land where no gay life may rest Save glowing hasty fingers of the West, When our two hearts lie cold beneath the rose? These silver flakes of ancient hoary frost, Surviving all our joys' supremest powers, And though the petals of your lips be lost And gone the summer of your golden head, This pale eternal growth of winter's flowers Shall still live on--though our sweet love be dead.