Nevilly's Sonnet

Love's hard grindstone had worn
me down, when I had known it in the past.
The wind was bitter, biting chill, the sky overcast --
For love had teeth that left me torn,
For love was over, and I forlorn.
Rosy dreams and the world stood in day-night contrast --
Each petal shredded by the wind, and at last
I dropped love's hope and let myself mourn.

'And then, like gossamer Spring, you came;
You with your surprised eyes and cautious smile.
I learned your face and radiant name,
How you were bright and free of guile.
And if love's blaze is fragile, at least it's a flame
That can cast warmth in our hearts for a while.