If you were coming in the Fall,
I'd brush the Summer by
With half a smile, and half a spurn,
As Housewives do, a Fly.

If I could see you in a year,
I'd wind the months in balls — 
And put them each in separate Drawers,
For fear the numbers fuse — 

If only Centuries, delayed,
I'd count them on my Hand,
Subtracting, til my fingers dropped
Into Van Dieman's Land,

If certain, when this life was out — 
That yours and mine, should be
I'd toss it yonder, like a Rind,
And take Eternity — 

But, now, uncertain of the length
Of this, that is between,
It goads me, like the Goblin Bee — 
That will not state —  its sting.