  The years are many, the changes more, Since wind and sun on the wild sweet shore Where Joyous Gard stands stark by the sea With face as bright as in years of yore Shone, swept, and sounded, and laughed for glee More deep than a man's or a child's may be, On a day when summer was wild and glad, And the guests of the wind and the sun were we. The light that lightens from seasons clad With darkness now, is it glad or sad? Not sad but glad should it shine, meseems, On eyes yet fain of the joy they had. For joy was there with us; joy that gleams And murmurs yet in the world of dreams Where thought holds fast, as a constant warder, The days when I rode by moors and streams, Reining my rhymes into buoyant order Through honied leagues of the northland border. Though thought or memory fade, and prove A faithless keeper, a thriftless hoarder, One sign can the years efface not. Love, More strong than death or than doubt may be, Treads down their strengths, and abides above. Yea, change and death are his servants: we, Whom love of the dead links fast, though free, May smile as they that beheld the dove Bear home her signal across the sea. |
|
