Poems (Radford)/To the Caryatid (in the Elgin Room, British Museum)

by Dollie Radford

To the Caryatid in the Elgin Room—British Museum

So long ago, and day by day,
I came to learn from you, to pray,
You did not hear, you did not know
The thing I craved, so long ago.

The days were always days of spring,
Hope laid her hand on every thing,
And in your spacious room, on me,
She rested it most lovingly.

Of all the season's sun and showers,
I gathered up the fairest flowers,
And brought my garlands, fresh and sweet,
To lay in gladness at your feet.

And prayed to stand in strength, as you,
Through the long years untried and new,
With dauntless mien and steadfast gaze,
To bear the burden of the days.

Now many tired years are told,
My prayer long since is dead and cold,
You were too wise to grant it me,
Although I prayed so patiently.

But at your feet my flowers lie,
The happy flowers which cannot die,
I see them through my tears, and know
They are as sweet as long ago.