I have loved flowers that fade

Alexei Romanov

I have loved flowers that fade, 
Within whose magic tents 
Rich hues have marriage made 
With sweet unmemoried scents: 
A honeymoon delight,
A joy of love at sight, 
That ages in an hour
My song be like a flower!.

I have loved airs that die
Before their charm is writ 
Along a liquid sky 
Trembling to welcome it.
Notes, that with pulse of fire
Proclaim the spirit's desire, 
Then die, and are nowhere
My song be like an air!.

Die, song, die like a breath,
And wither as a bloom; 
Fear not a flowery death, 
Dread not an airy tomb! 
Fly with delight, fly hence!
'Twas thine love's tender sense 
To feast; now on thy bier 
Beauty shall shed a tear.