LOST.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VIII, Issue 34, 22 August 1891, Page 302

LOST.

’Twas a summer ago when he left me here — A summer of smiles with never a tear, Till I said to him with a sob, my dear — Good-bye, my lover, good-bye ! For I loved him, oh, as the stars loved night ! And my cheeks for him flushed red and white When first he called me his heart’s delight— Good-bye, my lover, good-bye 1 The touch of his hand was a thing divine As he sat with me in the soft moonshine And drank of my love as men drink wine— Good-bye, my lover, good-bye ! And never a night, as 1 knelt in prayer, In a gown as white as our own souls wear. But in fancy he came and he kissed me there— Good-bye, my lover, good-bye ! But now, oh God ! what an empty place My whole heart is ! Of the old embrace And the kiss I loved there lives no trace— Good-bye, my lover, good-bye ! He sailed not over the stormy sea ; And he went not down in the waves —not he— But, oh, he is lost—for he married me— Good-bye, my lover, good-bye !

James Whitcomb Riley.