Until their time befalls.
If only centuries delayed,
I’d count them on my hand,
Subtracting till my fingers dropped
Into Van Diemen’s land.
If certain when this life was out,
That yours and mine should be,
I’d toss it yonder like a rind,
And taste eternity.
But now all ignorant of the length
Of time’s uncertain wing,
It goads me like the goblin bee,
That will not state its sting.
作品赏析
开篇,诗中的女孩一方面抒发了自己期待与爱人相逢的急切心情:如果对方能在秋天到来,她就要“拂”掉夏天,以加快秋天的到来。另一方面,她也表示自己愿意等待对方,几个世纪对她来说也像是弹指之间。最后她还表示,为了相逢,她可以舍弃生命;而由于无法确定相逢的日期,这对她来说是狠狠的一击。