O, Love is not a Summer Mood

O, Love is not a summer mood, Love is the flower of maidenhood;

Nor flying phantom of the brain, Love is the fruit of mortal pain;

Nor youthful fever of the blood, And she hath winter in her blood.

Nor dream, nor fate, nor circumstance, True love is steadfast as the skies,

Love is not born of blinded chance, And once alight, she never flies;

Nor bred in simple ignorance. And love is strong, and love is wise. 

- Richard Watson Gilder

photo by Mt. Hood Territory