.5. Yesterday Evening

Yesterday’s evening breeze, its softening breath,
Wafted these late blooming flowers’ scents to us.
Night was falling; the bird asleep in shade’s depth.
Springtime was fragrant—yet less so than your youth;
The stars shone—yet less brightly than your eyes.

I spoke, hushed. The praise of that solemnest hour
When the soul sings a soft hymn of love’s honours.
Seeing the night so pure, and you so fair,
I said to the golden stars: “Pour skies on her!”
And I said to your eyes: “Pour love upon us!”

May 18…