James Thomson

A Song of Sighing

WOULD some little joy to-day
    Visit us, heart! 
Could it but a moment stay,
    Then depart, 
With the flutter of its wings
Stirring sense of brighter things.

Like a butterfly astray
    In a dark room; 
Telling:--Outside there is day,
    Sweet flowers bloom, 
Birds are singing, trees are green
Runnels ripple silver sheen.

Heart! we now have been so long
    Sad without change, 
Shut in deep from shine and song
    Nor can range; 
It would do us good to know
    That the world is not all woe.

Would some little joy to-day
    Visit us, heart! 
Could it but a moment stay,
    Then depart, 
With the luster of its wings
Lighting dreams of happy things,
    O sad my heart!