Poem by Caroline Elizabeth Sarah Norton

The Cold Change

IN the cold change which time hath wrought on love
    (The snowy winter of his summer prime), 
Should a chance sigh or sudden tear-drop move
    Thy heart to memory of the olden time; 
Turn not to gaze on me with pitying eyes,
    Nor mock me with a withered hope renewed; 
But from the bower we both have loved, arise
    And leave me to my barren solitude!

What boots it that a momentary flame
    Shoots from the ashes of a dying fire? 
We gaze upon the hearth from whence it came,
    And know the exhausted embers must expire: 
Therefore no pity, or my heart will break;
Be cold, be careless -- for thy past love's sake! 

1. Sonnet 6. Where the red wine-cup floweth, there art thou!
2. Sonnet 16. WHITE Rose of Bourbon's branch, so early faded!
3. I Cannot Love Thee!
4. Sonnet 11. Green avenue, whose shadow dim and sweet
5. Sonnet 8. SILENT companions of the lonely hour

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