In Tenebris
“Percussus sum sicut foenum, et aruit cor meum.” —Ps. ci.
Wintertime nighs;
But my bereavement—pain
It cannot bring again:
Twice no one dies.
Flower—petals flee;
But, since it once hath been,
No more that severing scene
Can harrow me.
Birds faint in dread:
I shall not lose old strength
In the lone frost’s black length:
Strength long since fled!
Leaves freeze to dun;
But friends can not turn cold
This season as of old
For him with none.
Tempests may scath;
But love can not make smart
Again this year his heart
Who no heart hath.
Black is night’s cope;
But death will not appal
One who, past doubtings all,
Waits in unhope.
