New Life, New Love

The breezes blow on the river below,     And the fleecy clouds float high,     And I mark how the dark green gum trees match     The bright blue dome of the sky.     The rain has been, and the grass is green     Where the slopes were bare and brown,     And I see the things that I used to see     In the days ere my head went down.     I have found a light in my long dark night,     Brighter than stars or moon;     I have lost the fear of the sunset drear,     And the sadness of afternoon.     Here let us stand while I hold your hand,     Where the lights on your golden head,     Oh! I feel the thrill that I used to feel     In the days ere my heart was dead.     The storms gone by, but my lips are dry     And the old wrong rankles yet,     Sweetheart or wife, I must take new life     From your red lips warm and wet!     So let it be, you may cling to me,     There is nothing on earth to dread,     For Ill be the man that I used to be     In the days ere my heart was dead!