When I hoped, I recollect

When I hoped, I recollect
Just the place I stood
In a chamber facing West—
Roughest air was good.

Not a sleet could bite me,
Not a frost could cool,
Hope it was that kept me warm—
Not merino shawl.

When I feared—I recollect
Just the day it was—
Worlds were swimming in the Sun,
Yet how Nature froze!

Icicles upon my soul
Prickled raw and cool,
Birds went praising everywhere,
Mine alone was still.

And the day that I despaired—
This if I forget,
Nature will that it be night
When the sun is set.

Dark shall overtake the hill,
Overtake the sky,
Nature hesitate before
Memory—and me.