Afternoon

<SPAN name="startofbook"></SPAN> <h1>AFTERNOON</h1> <h3>BY</h3> <h2>ÉMILE VERHAEREN</h2> <hr class="chap" /> <h3>AFTERNOON</h3> <hr class="tb" /> <SPAN name="I"></SPAN>I<br/> <br/> <br/> Slowly maturity has come to our surprise,<br/> Placing its hands upon the naked forehead of our love,<br/> Looking upon it with its dimmer eyes.<br/> <br/> And, in the garden shrivelled by July,<br/> The flowers and shrubs and vibrant leaves<br/> Have let fall their fervent powers which lie<br/> Over the misty pond and gentle paths.<br/> And bitterly the jealous sun now shows<br/> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">Harshly a brilliant shadow</span><br/> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">Round its light that grieves.</span><br/> <br/> And yet, see how the fearless hollyhocks aspire<br/> Ardently to their own splendid fire!<br/> See how season after season's stress<br/> Is vain&mdash;the fibres of our hearts<br/> Deeper than ever and insatiable,<br/> Are rooted firmly in our happiness.<br/> <br/> Oh hours of afternoon, fragrant with rose,<br/> Clutching at time, with cheek in flower and flame,<br/> Seeking, against his chilly side, repose!<br/> <br/> And nothing, nothing is better than to feel<br/> Happy and limpid still&mdash;after what years?<br/> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">But if fate had willed above</span><br/> For us two naught but suffering and tears,<br/> Still, would I have wished to live and die<br/> Complaintless, in such unrelenting love!<br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />