Sorrow in a Garden

Here in this ancient garden When Winter days had flown I came, with Comrade Sorrow To dwell with her alone.

Here in this sweet seclusion Far from the World's cold stare What exquisite communings Sorrow and I would share!

What banquets of remembrance! What luxury of tears! With Sorrow in a garden Through the rose-scented years!

But one day when she called me I did not hear her voice; I only heard the lilies Which sang "Rejoice, rejoice!"

The world was gold and azure The air was sweet with birds; My garden laughed with rapture How could I hear her words?

For June was in the garden And June was in my heart, And since that hour pale Sorrow And I have dwelt apart.

But often in the twilight When birds and gardens sleep I feel her presence with me Her arms about me creep.

And when the ghosts of Summer With the dead roses talk, I hear her softly sobbing Along the moonlit walk.

I never can forget her So intimate were we! But Sorrow, in my garden Abides no more with me.