How sweet the music sounded <br />That summer long ago, <br />When you were by my side, love, <br />To list its gentle flow. <br /> <br />I saw your eyes a-shining, <br />I felt your rippling hair, <br />I kissed your pearly cheek, love, <br />And had no thought of care. <br /> <br />And gay or sad the music, <br />With subtle charm replete; <br />I found in after years, love <br />'Twas you that made it sweet. <br /> <br />For standing where we heard it, <br />I hear again the strain; <br />It wakes my heart, but thrills it <br />With sad, mysterious pain. <br /> <br />It pulses not so joyous <br />As when you stood with me, <br />And hand in hand we listened <br />To that low melody. <br /> <br />Oh, could the years turn back, love! <br />Oh, could events be changed <br />To what they were that time, love, <br />Before we were estranged; <br /> <br />Wert thou once more a maiden <br />Whose smile was gold to me; <br />Were I once more the lover <br />Whose word was life to thee,-- <br /> <br />O God! could all be altered, <br />The pain, the grief, the strife, <br />And wert thou--as thou shouldst be-- <br />My true and loyal wife! <br /> <br />But all my tears are idle, <br />And all my wishes vain. <br />What once you were to me, love, <br />You may not be again. <br /> <br />For I, alas! like others, <br />Have missed my dearest aim. <br />I asked for love. Oh, mockery! <br />Fate comes to me with fame!<br /><br />Paul Laurence Dunbar<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/an-old-memory-4/
