A YEAR'S SPINNING. I. He listened at the porch that day, And then it stopped, ran back away, While through the door he brought the sun. But now my spinning is all done. II. He sate beside me, with an oath I smiled-believing for us both, III. My mother cursed me that I heard IV. I thought-O God!-my first-born's cry Both voices to mine ear would drown: I listened in mine agony— It was the silence made me groan! T. Bury me 'twixt my mother's grave, Who, not to bless me, would not moan. VI. A stone upon my heart and head, VII. And let the door ajar remain, In case he should pass by anon; And leave the wheel out very plain,— That HE, when passing in the sun, May see the spinning is all done. CHANGE UPON CHANGE. I. FIVE months ago, the stream did flow, Along the stream, beside the hedge. For if I do not hear thy foot, The frozen river is as mute, The flowers have dried down to the root: And why, since these be changed since May, II. And slow, slow as the winter snow, The tears have drifted to mine eyes; And my poor cheeks, five months ago Put paleness on for a disguise. VOL. III. A Ah, Sweet, be free to praise and go! Should I change less than thou? THAT DAY. I. I STAND by the river where both of us stood, II. The flowers of the margin are many to see; III. I stand by the river, I think of the vow; |