Skip to content
1849–1916

TO A POET ON HIS MARRIAGE

James Whitcomb Riley

Ever and ever, on and on, From winter dusk to April dawn, This old enchanted world we range From night to light — from change to change —

Or path of burs or lily-bells, We walk a world of miracles. The morning evermore must be A newer, purer mystery —

The dewy grasses, or the bloom Of orchards, or the wood's perfume Of wild sweet-williams, or the wet Blent scent of loam and violet.

How wondrous all the ways we fare — What marvels wait us, unaware!... But yesterday, with eyes ablur And heart that held no hope of Her,

You paced the lone path, but the true That led to where she waited you.

Cookies on Poetry Cove

We use cookies to remember your language preference and — only with your consent — to learn how Poetry Cove is used. You can change your mind any time.
TO A POET ON HIS MARRIAGE · James Whitcomb Riley · Poetry Cove