Poetry · “The Happiest Day”

“The Happiest Day”

I

The happiest day⁠—the happiest hour

My seared and blighted heart hath known,

The highest hope of pride and power,

I feel hath flown.

II

Of power! said I? Yes! such I ween

But they have vanished long, alas!

The visions of my youth have been⁠—

But let them pass.

III

And pride, what have I now with thee?

Another brow may ev’n inherit

The venom thou hast poured on me⁠—

Be still my spirit!

IV

The happiest day⁠—the happiest hour

Mine eyes shall see⁠—have ever seen

The brightest glance of pride and power

I feet have been:

V

But were that hope of pride and power

Now offered with the pain

Ev’n then I felt⁠—that brightest hour

I would not live again:

VI

For on its wing was dark alloy

And as it fluttered⁠—fell

An essence⁠—powerful to destroy

A soul that knew it well.