In the Lilac-rain

All in the lilac-rain,
Tender and sweet,
Brushing the window-pane
Sudden — and fleet!
Came the dear wraith of her
Out of lost Mays —
(Ah, but the faith of her,
True to old ways!)

Scarcely her face I knew
Dim in the wet;
Only her eyes of blue
Who could forget!
Hands full of lilacs too —
Lilac crowned, yet!

These were the flowers she loved
In the far years;
These were the showers she loved —
Light as her tears!
These were the hours she loved —
Hope chasing fears!

Veiled in the lilac-rain
Comes she — and goes. . . .
Sun through the clouds again,
Fresh the wind blows.
Mine, a swift pleasure-pain
None other knows.