Poems (Dorr)/Once!
For works with similar titles, see Once.
ONCE!
Once in your sight,As May buds swell in the sun's warm light, So grew her soul,Yielding itself to your sweet control.
Once if you spoke,Echoing strains in her heart awoke, Sending a thrillAll through its chambers sweet and still.
Once if you said,"Sweet, with Love's garland I crown your head," Ah! how the roseFlooded her forehead's pale repose!
Once if your lipDared the pure sweetness of hers to sip, Softly and meek'Dark lashes drooped on a white rose cheek!
Once if your nameSome one but whispered, a sudden flame Burned on her cheek,Telling a story she would not speak!
You do but waitAt a sepulchre's sealed gate! Her love is dead,Bound hand and foot in its narrow bed.
Why did it die?Ask of your soul the reason why! Question it well,And surely the secret it will tell.
But if your heartEver again plays the lover's part, Let this truth beBlent with the solemn mystery:
Pure flame aspires;Downward flow not the altar fires; And skylarks soarUp where the earth-mists vex no more.
Now loose your holdFrom her white garment's spotless fold, And let her pass—While both hearts murmur, "Alas! alas!"