A Dirge
by R.H. Horne.
Originally published in Leigh Hunt's Journal (Edward Moxon) vol.2 #7 (18 Jan 1851).
Oh, Flower of life and memory,
Who hang'st thy head in tears,
Rock-set above an ebbing sea
That bears away thy years;
Thou dream'st for ever on the past,
Forgetful that heaven's light,
Which from the darkness called thee forth,
Can still enchant thy sight.
Oh, Flower of life, and thrilling hope,
Once more uplift thy head!
New years are toiling up the slope—
They must not find thee dead.
Thou dost not hear—thine eyes are closed—
Odours and colours flee;—
Thy second life is not on earth,
Oh, Flower of memory!