A solemn sadness did their song contain;
I envied them their love, this bonded pair.
Yet, I knew the secret that all loves share:
No love that lovers love can long remain.

A boy with rifle pierced their oneness through.
Gave them a oneness they had not before.
His deed performed, he went as boys will do,
Proud of the thing he did and would do more.

The one he left behind bewildered stood
And sang and sang to call to him his mate.
No answer came to him within the wood
For death is too proud to accommodate.

Long did his mournful cry come to my ears
Although I quickly turned and walked away.
And to his song I added my own tears
Recalling what I'd lost another day.

Love departed will never come again
For all the songs of birds or tears of men.