_Rondeau Redoublé_ (and scarcely worth the trouble, at that) The same to me are sombre days and gay. Though joyous dawns the rosy morn, and bright, Because my dearest love is gone away Within my heart is melancholy night. My heart beats low in loneliness, despite That riotous Summer holds the earth in sway. In cerements my spirit is bedight; The same to me are sombre days and gay. Though breezes in the rippling grasses play, And waves dash high and far in glorious might, I thrill no longer to the sparkling day, Though joyous dawns the rosy morn, and bright. Ungraceful seems to me the swallow's flight; As well might Heaven's blue be sullen gray; My soul discerns no beauty in their sight Because my dearest love is gone away. Let roses fling afar their crimson spray, And virgin daisies splash the fields with white, Let bloom the poppy hotly as it may, Within my heart is melancholy night. And this, oh love, my pitiable plight Whenever from my circling arms you stray; This little world of mine has lost its light.... I hope to God, my dear, that you can say The same to me. _Autobiography_ Oh, both my shoes are shiny new, And pristine is my hat; My dress is 1922.... My life is all like that. _The Choice_ He'd have given me rolling lands, Houses of marble, and billowing farms, Pearls, to trickle between my hands, Smoldering rubies, to circle my arms. You--you'd only a lilting song, Only a melody, happy and high, You were sudden and swift and strong,-- ever a thought for another had I. He'd have given me laces rare, Dresses that glimmered with frosty sheen, Shining ribbons to wrap my hair, Horses to draw me, as fine as a queen. You--you'd only to whistle low, Gaily I followed wherever you led. I took you, and I let him go,-- Somebody ought to examine my head! _Ballade of Big Plans_ She loved him. He knew it. And love was a game that two could play at.--"Julia Cane," p. 280. Once the orioles sang in chorus, Once the skies were a cloudless blue. Spring bore blossoms expressly for us, Stars lined up to spell "Y-O-U." All the world wore a golden hue, Life was a thing to be bold and gay at; Love was the only game I knew, And love is a game that two can play at. Now the heavens are scowling o'er us, Now the blossoms are pale and few. Love was a rose with thorns that tore us, Love was a ship without a crew. Love is untender, and love is untrue, Love is a moon for a dog to bay at, Love is the Lady-That's-Known-as-Lou, And love is a game that two can play at.