1847

"THE MAY SUN SHEDS AN AMBER LIGHT"

by William Cullen Bryant

THE MAY SUN SHEDS AN AMBER LIGHT -

The May sun sheds an amber light

On new-leaved woods and lawns between;

But she who, with a smile more bright,

Welcomed and watched the springing green,

Is in her grave,

Low in her grave. -

The fair white blossoms of the wood

In groups beside the pathway stand;

But one, the gentle and the good,

Who cropped them with a fairer hand,

Is in her grave,

Low in her grave. -

Upon the woodland's morning airs

The small birds' mingled notes are flung;

But she, whose voice, more sweet than theirs,

Once bade me listen while they sung,

Is in her grave,

Low in her grave. -

That music of the early year

Brings tears of anguish to my eyes;

My heart aches when the flowers appear;

For then I think of her who lies

Within her grave,

Low in her grave. - -