A Leaf

Somebody said, in the crowd, last eve,          That you were married, or soon to be.     I have not thought of you, I believe,          Since last we parted.    Let me see:     Five long Summers have passed since then -          Each has been pleasant in its own way -     And you are but one of a dozen men          Who have played the suitor a Summer day.     But, nevertheless, when I heard your name,          Coupled with some one's, not my own,     There burned in my bosom a sudden flame,          That carried me back to the day that is flown.     I was sitting again by the laughing brook,          With you at my feet, and the sky above,     And my heart was fluttering under your look -          The unmistakable look of Love.     Again your breath, like a South wind, fanned          My cheek, where the blushes came and went;     And the tender clasp of your strong, warm hand          Sudden thrills through my pulses sent.     Again you were mine by Love's own right -          Mine for ever by Love's decree:     So for a moment it seemed last night,          When somebody mentioned your name to me.     Just for the moment I thought you mine -          Loving me, wooing me, as of old.     The tale remembered seemed half divine -          Though I held it lightly enough when told.     The past seemed fairer than when it was near,          As "blessings brighten when taking flight;"     And just for the moment I held you dear -          When somebody mentioned your name last night.