Lizette Woodworth Reese

January 9, 1856 – December 17, 1935 / Waverly

That Day You Came

Such special sweetness was about
   That day God sent you here,
I knew the lavender was out,
   And it was mid of year.

Their common way the great winds blew,
   The ships sailed out to sea;
Yet ere that day was spent I knew
   Mine own had come to me.

As after song some snatch of tune
   Lurks still in grass or bough,
So, somewhat of the end o' June
   Lurks in each weather now.

The young year sets the buds astir,
   The old year strips the trees;
But ever in my lavender
   I hear the brawling bees.

For me the jasmine buds unfold
   And silver daisies star the lea,
The crocus hoards the sunset gold,
   And the wild rose breathes for me.
I feel the sap through the bough returning,
   I share the skylark's transport fine,
I know the fountain's wayward yearning,
   I love, and the world is mine!

I love, and thoughts that sometime grieved,
   Still well remembered, grieve not me;
From all that darkened and deceived
   Upsoars my spirit free.
For soft the hours repeat one story,
   Sings the sea one strain divine;
My clouds arise all flushed with glory --
   I love, and the world is mine!
192 Total read