Oriental Scenes, Dramatic Sketches and Tales/Life's Changes
LIFE'S CHANGES.
Mid gay and crowded festivals,
In many a fair and glittering scene,
I tread those bright and gilded halls
Wherein thy feet so oft have been.
Familiar are the names to me
Which my new friends and flatterers bear,
Each sound comes linked with thoughts of thee;
But thou art———where?
The busy throng which thou hast known
In days gone by approach me now,
And every word and every tone
Reminds me of thy plighted vow.
They name thee not, but fancy brings
Thy voice upon the passing air,
Thy form is borne upon her wings;
But thou art———where?
The wreath which, when my humble song
Was breathed to careless ears in vain,
Thou fondly said'st should soon belong
To my unprized unvalued strain,
Is twined for me—upon my brow
In many a knot and cluster fair
Its blooming buds and blossoms glow;
And thou art———where?
Not thine the lips that whisper praise,
Not thine the bright and beaming eye
Turning on mine its ardent gaze,
Not thine the hope, not thine the sigh.
Another breathes a tender tale,
Another hovers round my chair,
Another trusts he may prevail,
For thou art———where?
I know not if my once loved name
Now first before the world avowed,
As one who hopes her lay may claim
The homage of the busy crowd,
Though published wide, has reached thine ear,
Reviving thoughts which love will share—
I know not if it still be dear;
For thou art———where?