C.D. Warner, et al., comp. The Library of the World’s Best Literature.
An Anthology in Thirty Volumes. 1917.
She Came and Went
By James Russell Lowell (18191891)
A
Lights on to sing, then leaves unbent,
So is my memory thrilled and stirred;—
I only know she came and went.
The blue dome’s measureless content,
So my soul held that moment’s heaven;—
I only know she came and went.
The orchards full of bloom and scent,
So clove her May my wintry sleeps;—
I only know she came and went.
Through the low doorway of my tent;
The tent is struck, the vision stays;—
I only know she came and went.
And life’s last oil is nearly spent,
One gush of light these eyes will brim,
Only to think she came and went.