Poem by Lizette Woodworth Reese

A Song

Oh, Love, he went a-straying,
A long time ago!
I missed him in the Maying,
When blossoms were of snow;
So back I came by the old sweet way;
And for I loved him so, wept that he came not with me,
A long time ago!
Wide open stood my chamber door,
And one stepped forth to greet;
Gray Grief, strange Grief, who turned me sore
With words he spake so sweet.
I gave him meat; I gave him drink;
(And listened for Love’s feet.)
How many years? I cannot think;
In truth, I do not know—
Ah, long time ago!
Oh, love, he came not back again,
Although I kept me fair;
And each white May, in field and lane,
I waited for him there!
Yea, he forgot; but Grief stayed on,
And in Love’s empty chair
Doth sit and tell of days long gone—
’Tis more than I can bear! 

1. Herbs
2. A Song for Candlemas
3. Mid-March
4. Oh, gray and tender is the rain
5. Trust

Helen Williams A Song ("No riches from his scanty store")

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