I found, and plucked, an autumn-blooming rose, <br />And shut my eyes, and scented all its savour: <br />When lo! as in the month the blackthorn blows, <br />Lambs 'gan to bleat, and merle and lark to quaver. <br /> <br />Flower of my life! inestimably dear, <br />Now that its calendar wanes sere and sober, <br />To me your freshness, turning back the year, <br />Makes that seem April others call October. <br /> <br />With me 'tis Autumn, and with you 'tis Spring, <br />But Love hath brought these seasons sweet together. <br />Within your leafy life I sit and sing, <br />And you with me share wealth of harvest weather. <br /> <br />Thus all things we exchange, and nothing lose: <br />Take you life's wisdom, lend to me life's sweetness. <br />Your vernal voice shall wed my mellow muse, <br />And song give youth, and youth give song, completeness.<br /><br />Alfred Austin<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/an-autumn-blooming-rose/
