RUINED

See an apple tree, forsaken

Stricken by snap frost of night;

Oh, how my poor heart is aching

For the fruit tree, marred by blight!

Fruitless sobbing, silent pleading,

Clear tears in white blossoms yearn;

All to no avail. Unheeding.

For the spring will not return.

Young girl, wan, there shaded standing,

All your joy now woebegone;

To your rosemary wreath be tending,

Hope to wed, ere death, anon.

Innocence! By flash of lightning

Struck, by force of fearful might;

Her life’s sunlight, vital, brightening,

Drowned in deepest darkest night.

Full moon risen! –

How it’s shining

Now on flushed cheeks tears come, glossed;

All the blooms cry with her, pining

For the garland, torn, she’s lost.