The willow strands were draped in gold br Whilst hanging from those wilted boughs, br And softly kissed the water br Of the lake that hid my tears, br As winds did blow they gently fell br Like poisoned arrows through the air, br Unto those cold and murky depths br Where sorrow met with fears. br br I watched the silent ripples pass br That drew unto the sleeping shore, br But they could go no further br As they sank within the mire, br Where leaves had gathered one by one br And dressed the contours of the bank, br Whilst still the branches flickered br Like the fading flames of fire. br br As willow strands were draped in gold br Their hushed reflections calmly lay, br That shone within the sunlight br That did warm the waking morn, br And there I saw myself within br The shadows of the autumn's death, br I felt the cold wind blow again br That stirred the solemn dawn.