The second along with third stanzas become a lot more complex, ending with the metaphor on the "sands of life, " and / or hourglass. One the one hand we're given the image associated with his love lasting through to the seas run dry and the rocks melt with direct sunlight, wonderfully poetic images. Then again Burns reminds us on the passage of time as well as the changes that result. That recalls the first stanza and its image of an red rose, newly sprung in June, which small children from experience will change and decay as time passes. These are complex and competing images, typical from the more mature Robert Burns. My websites: Retro 13