December's Snow

The bloom is on the May once more,     The chestnut buds have burst anew;     But, darling, all our springs are o'er,     'Tis winter still for me and you.     We plucked Life's blossoms long ago     What's left is but December's snow.     But winter has its joys as fair,     The gentler joys, aloof, apart;     The snow may lie upon our hair     But never, darling, in our heart.     Sweet were the springs of long ago     But sweeter still December's snow.     Yes, long ago, and yet to me     It seems a thing of yesterday;     The shade beneath the willow tree,     The word you looked but feared to say.     Ah! when I learned to love you so     What recked we of December's snow?     But swift the ruthless seasons sped     And swifter still they speed away.     What though they bow the dainty head     And fleck the raven hair with gray?     The boy and girl of long ago     Are laughing through the veil of snow.