This is a memory of falling in love so suddenly that it feels almost violent. The speaker is completely undone by a single glance at a girl whose face seemed to bloom like a flower. He grows pale, his legs go weak, and the whole world darkens—trees and bushes turn to midnight at noon. It’s a moment of pure physical overwhelm, leaving him blind and speechless, his heart pounding so hard it burns. The second half shifts into something quieter but no less haunted. Even as winter questions whether love can survive, he senses she understands his unspoken feelings. By the end, the loss is permanent: his heart has left him and will never return. The mood is tender and rapturous, yet edged with a deep, aching helplessness that anyone who’s ever had a crush will recognize.
First Love — Summary
I ne'er was struck before that hour With love so sudden and so sweet. Her face it bloomed like a sweet flower And stole my heart away complete. My face turned pale as deadly pale, My legs refused to walk away, And when she looked "what could I ail?" My life and all seemed turned to clay.
And then my blood rushed to my face And took my sight away. The trees and bushes round the place Seemed midnight at noonday. I could not see a single thing, Words from my eyes did start; They spoke as chords do from the string And blood burnt round my heart.
Are flowers the winter's choice? Is love's bed always snow? She seemed to hear my silent voice And love's appeal to know. I never saw so sweet a face As that I stood before: My heart has left its dwelling-place And can return no more.