A Garden of Loveliness

I ne'er was struck before that hour
With love so sudden and so sweet
Her faced it bloomed like a sweet flower
And stole my heart away complete
My face turned pale a deadly pale
My legs refused to walk away
And when she looked what could I ail
My life and all seemed turned to clay

And then my blood rushed to my face
And took my eyesight quite away
The trees and bushes round the place
Seemed midnight at noon day
I could not see a single thing
Words from my eyes did start
They spoke as chords do from the string
And blood burnt round my heart

Are flowers the winter's choice
Is love's bed always snow
She seemed to hear my silent voice
Not loves appeals to hear my silent voice
I never saw so sweet a face
As that I stood before
My heart has left its dwelling place
And can return no more --
John Clare 1793-1864