Thomas Bailey Aldrich

1836-1907

 

A Refrain

by Thomas Bailey Aldrich

High in a tower she sings,
I, passing by beneath,
Pause and listen, and catch
These words of passionate breath --
Asphodel, flower of Life; amaranth, flower of Death!

Sweet voice, sweet unto tears!
What is this that she saith?
Poignant, mystical -- hark!
Again, with passionate breath --
Asphodel, flower of Life; amaranth, flower of Death!

Source:

Unguarded Gates: And Other Poems
Copyright 1895
Houghton, Mifflin And Company,Boston And New York