Fairy Changeling and Other Poems — The Lover

Why love!

I find you so weak and small, A human child, not a god at all;

Two angry, sleepy eyes that cry, Two little hands so soft and shy, I'll hush you with a lullaby.

Come, love!

THE LOVER

I go through wet spring woods alone, Through sweet green woods with heart of stone, My weary foot upon the grass Falls heavy as I pass.

The cuckoo from the distance cries, The lark a pilgrim in the skies;

But all the pleasant spring is drear.

I want you, dear!

I pass the summer meadows by, The autumn poppies bloom and die;

I speak alone so bitterly For no voice answers me.

"O lovers parting by the gate, O robin singing to your mate, Plead you well, for she will hear 'I love you, dear!'

" I crouch alone, unsatisfied, Mourning by winter's fireside.

O Fate, what evil wind you blow.

Must this be so?

No southern breezes come to bless, So conscious of their emptiness My lonely arms I spread in woe, I want you so.