If all the year was summer-time, <br /> And all the aim of life <br />Was just to lilt on like a rhyme – <br /> Then I would be your wife. <br /> <br />If all the days were August days, <br /> And crowned with golden weather, <br />How happy then through green-clad ways <br /> We two could stray together! <br /> <br />If all the nights were moonlit nights, <br /> And we had naught to do <br />But just to sit and plan delights, <br /> Then I would be with you. <br /> <br />If life was all a summer fete, <br /> Its soberest pace the “glide, ” <br />Then I would choose you for my mate, <br /> And keep you at my side. <br /> <br />But winter makes full half the year, <br /> And labour half of life, <br />And all the laughter and good cheer <br /> Gives place to wearing strife. <br /> <br />Days will grow cold, and moons wax old, <br /> And then a heart that’s true <br />Is better far than grace or gold – <br /> And so, my love, adieu! <br /> I cannot wed with you.<br /><br />Ella Wheeler Wilcox<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/an-answer/
