Thomas Hardy — The Singing Woman

       &nbsp There was a singing woman        &nbsp       &nbsp Came riding across the mead        &nbsp At the time of the mild May weather,        &nbsp       &nbsp       &nbsp Tameless, tireless; This song she sung: “I am fair, I am young!”        &nbsp       &nbsp And many turned to heed.        &nbsp And the same singing woman        &nbsp       &nbsp Sat crooning in her need        &nbsp At the time of the winter weather;        &nbsp       &nbsp       &nbsp Friendless, fireless, She sang this song: “Life, thou’rt too long!”        &nbsp       &nbsp And there was none to heed.