Poems (Procter)/A Shadow

by Adelaide Anne Procter

A SHADOW.

HAT lack the valleys and mountains
 That once were green and gay?
What lack the babbling fountains?
 Their voice is sad to-day.
   Only the sound of a voice,
   Tender and sweet and low,
   That made the earth rejoice,
    A year ago!

What lack the tender flowers?
 A shadow is on the sun:
What lack the merry hours,
 That I long that they were done?
   Only two smiling eyes,
   That told of joy and mirth;
   They are shining in the skies,
    I mourn on earth!

What lacks my heart, that makes it
 So weary and full of pain,
That trembling Hope forsakes it,
 Never to come again?
   Only another heart,
   Tender and all mine own,
   In the still grave it lies;
    I weep alone!