Poems (Jordan)/In Autumn
For works with similar titles, see In Autumn.
IN AUTUMN
How strange it seems, in Life's cool autumn days,To visit once again the altar whereYouth's dreams were burned, as cruelly DespairHis torch applied before our frenzied gaze!How strange the touch, as we the ashes raiseIn gloveless hands, and with caressing careSift them back to their mem'ry-measured place!How tenderly the heart its off'ring laysUpon the scorch-stained stone—its offeringOf gathered tears! How it lives o'er that sceneIn each small detail, as 'neath brassy skies,It sees the fire spread wide its smoky wing,To bear beyond all reach what might have beenHad dreams escaped the glance of waking eyes!