Carpe Diem

Oh, if your tongue would tell what in your eyes
I dream I see when luminously large
They meet my gaze, and on your cheek a flush
Glows mantling for a moment as a sign;
Your lips half-parted as to speak at last.
But no. At bidding of some inward pang,
Some wan irresolution, some distrust,
The bright glance quivers, and, alas, is gone:
The warm hue from the cheek has faded out,
And comes the cold dim winter-gray o er all,
As it will one day sadden o'er our graves,
When hearts that might love's sunshine for a space
Have known, are passionless: when all that is
Is yesterday, and all to come is naught.