A moment, recalled

The wind is soft upon the lake,

Its voice is low and sweet;

Along the shore the ripples break

And play about my feet.

So to the world much gladness brings,

Hear robins sing, while swinging near the sky;

But in my heart a sadness springs

With thoughts of days gone by

For when as a child I stood with one,

My playmate long ago.

We watched the waves reflect the sun

Foam that inward ran, and drifted like the snow

In fancy I behold her face,

And see her snowy hand;

As she with slender fingers traced

Our names upon the sand.

O playmate! Though these quickly fade

From off the sandy shore;

The imprints on my heart there made

Will last forevermore.

As here I sit, I see you stand

As long ago you have stood;

How zephyrs kissed the silken band

That passed from chin to hood.

‘Tis long ago since here I felt

My heart so light and free.

The cup of care to me was dealt;

What hath been dealt to thee?

‘Tis long ago; from then till now,

The boy has grown a man;

The lines of care are on his brow,

But in his dreams his boyhood lives again.

‘Tis sweet to sit here thus and dream

Beside the placid lake;

Against this mossy bank to lean,

O! Who would wish to wake?

__________

Have you ever been in love before? If so, how would you now? Is it your memories that you love, or the experiences you miss? What do you regret about it, and what are you proud of? Is your love unapologetic or shy? Will you love again, or is that past you? Are you capable of love? Is it love you wish to give, or to receive? How would you know the difference? Wait a moment: before you answer, recall what I asked again.