Opals (Custance)/Virelay: Regret

by Olive Custance

Virelay: Regret

 

"Play low to-night
And do not sing!"
My thoughts take flight
And wing—and wing
To sorrowful wan skies, and white
Curved flower-cups scented through with Spring!
"Play low and do not sing., . . .

. . . There . . . in the rain
I see one stand . . .
The leaves look fain
To kiss his hand . . .
Beyond him slopes the furrowed lane, . . .
The sunlight breaks across the land!
I dream, I see him stand . . .

"Yes! quite awake!
Sing something dear!"
Did my voice break—
Was that a tear—
Shed softly for a memory's sake?
Ah! sobbing heart! he must not hear, . . .
"Sing something to me, dear!"