A Valentine

Years have sped by with rapid wing Since those bright days of long ago, When, hand in hand, in Life's sweet spring, We told our love in accents low.

For you were young, and fair, and free, And I a youth with ardor bold; You were, of all earth's maids, to me The fairest--ah, the story's old!

Our youthful fancy in the years That now lie far behind, anew Springs forth from memories Time endears, When smiles were frequent, tears were few!

Ah well! we parted! Still doth shine Your form on fancy's pictured wall, As when you were my "Valentine," And I to you was all in all!

I see you on the busy street, A comely matron, fair of face; The maiden, tall, and pale and sweet, Keeps by your side with even pace.

You see her not? Nay, she is mine, This gracious presence from the Past! She is my one fair Valentine Through summer's glow, through winter's blast!