The poem
ACROSS the flat and the pastel snow Two people go . . . . 'And do you remember When last we wandered this shore?' . . . 'Ah no! For it is cold-hearted December.' 'Dead, the leaves that like asses's ears hung on the trees When last we wandered and squandered joy here; Now Midas your husband will listen for these Whispers--these tears for joy's bier.' And as they walk, they seem tall pagodas; And all the ropes let down from the cloud Ring the hard cold bell-buds upon the trees--codas Of overtones, ecstasies, grown for love's shroud