Only to meet

Only to meet in a dream of delight,

only to gaze into eyes that are bright;

only to walk 'neath the blossoms of spring,

only dear hands that so lovingly cling!

After it all comes the cloud of despair,

after it all comes the tempest of care!

Only to linger awhile 'neath the spell,

only to meet, then to whisper: "Farewell!"

Only to meet and to love while we may,

fairest of buds will the soonest decay.

Only to stray in a vision awhile,

only to live in the light of a smile.

After it all, soon the vision is flown,

after it all we must wander alone.

Sadly the heart and its mem'ries will tell,

life is but meeting and whisp'ring: "Farewell!"