What The Winds Told Me

by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

The winds come from the West,
Come softly, mildly,
What tidings do you bring?
I questioned wildly.
They sang a tender tune,
And answered lightly --
Your darling's path is fair!
The sun shines brightly.

The winds came from the West,
Came shrieking, greaning.
What tidings now, oh wind?
My heart cried moaning.
They answered loud, and wild,
When danger stalketh --
And death is waiting, near,
Your darling walketh.

The winds came from the West,
Came weeping, wailing.
Oh tell me, tell me, winds!
My heart cried, failing.
Where none are near to soothe,
They answered sighing,
In loneliness and pain,
Your love is dying!

The winds came from the West!
Came sadly sobbing.
And with an awful fear,
My heart was throbbing.
I wildly questioned them
Amidst my weeping,
All still, and white, they said,
Your love is sleeping.

1870.