Have you so forgot the time, dear love,
When we sat by the stream in the wood
With our hearts as bright as the sky above,
Talking as lovers should?
And we whisper'd to each of that happy day—
Looking forward is so sweet—
But still as the moments sped away
The red leaf fell at our feet.
The birds were out on the leafy boughs,
Strong in their voice and youth,
And between their songs we made our vows
With a kiss to seal their truth;
And I turn'd to you as I said, 'This stream'—
The stream was then so sweet—
'Has music fit for our coming dream,'
And the red leaf fell at our feet.
The blushes lay warm on your gentle cheek,
As I took your hand in mine,
While your eyes they could not, would not speak
Aught but that love of thine;
And you smiled as I clasp'd and kiss'd you still—
Your smile was then so sweet—
But ever between the joy and thrill
The red leaf fell at our feet.
I took the curls of your long, rich hair,
And nursed them in my hand,
As we laid in the future clear and fair,
The dreams we both had plann'd;
We had nothing to do with life's alloy—
O the heart will rise and beat—
But still as we spoke of our coming joy
The read leaf fell at our feet.
We stood by the gate as the virgin night
Set her footsteps on the hill,
Yet so sweet were your eyes with their dark rich light
That I fondly linger'd still;
But hours wait not whatever we do—
And lovers' hours are sweet—
So I kiss'd you again and said, 'Be true,'
And the red leaf lay at our feet.
Now I walk this life with a solemn brow,
For the sweetest of hopes is fled,
And the blossoms that once would burst and blow
Are now for ever dead.
Yet I smile as they question 'Why is this?'—
O the pain of the inward heat!—
And seem to be gay as I laugh and say,
The red leaf fell at our feet.