Poetry Archives

The silent shepherdess,
  She of my vows,
Here with me exchanging love
  Under dim boughs.

Shines on our mysteries
  A sudden spark—
“Dout the candle, glow-worm,
  Let all be dark.

“The birds have sung their last notes,
  The Sun’s to bed,
Glow-worm, dout your candle.”
  The glow-worm said:

“I also am a lover;
  The lamp I display
Is beacon for my true love
  Wandering astray.

“Through the thick bushes
  And the grass comes she
With a heartload of longing
  And love for me.

“Sir, enjoy your fancy,
  But spare me harm,
A lover is a lover,
  Though but a worm.”