Help me with this poem!!????

Change Upon Change


poem by Elizabeth Barret Browning





Five months ago the stream did flow,


The lilies bloomed within the sedge,


And we were lingering to and fro,


Where none will track thee in this snow,


Along the stream, beside the hedge.


Ah, Sweet, be free to love and go!


For if I do not hear thy foot,


The frozen river is as mute,


The flowers have dried down to the root:


And why, since these be changed since May,


Shouldst thou change less than they.





And slow, slow as the winter snow


The tears have drifted to mine eyes;


And my poor cheeks, five months ago


Set blushing at thy praises so,


Put paleness on for a disguise.


Ah, Sweet, be free to praise and go!


For if my face is turned too pale,


It was thine oath that first did fail, --


It was thy love proved false and frail, --


And why, since these be changed enow,


Should I change less than thou.





What is the attitude towards change?

Help me with this poem!!????
To me, this poem is saying not everything can be perfect or the same forever. Everything changes, and if they change, then why can't you?





I think the author had in mind that people didn't like change, and thought it to be a horrible thing. But she kind kind of agreed AND disagreed at the same time (through poetry), that's why this poem is hard to understand.