Three tall poplars beside the pool 
Shiver and moan in the gusty blast, 
The carded clouds are blown like wool, 
And the yellowing leaves fly thick and fast. 

The leaves, now driven before the blast, 
Now flung by fits on the curdling pool, 
Are tossed heaven-high and dropped at last 
As if at the whim of a jabbering fool. 

O leaves, once rustling green and cool! 
Two met here where one moans aghast 
With wild heart heaving towards the past: 
Three tall poplars beside the pool.