Erotica/Carpe Diem

by Arthur Clark Kennedy

Carpe Diem

Let us learn all that love can teach,
Dear heart, while we and love are young;
Too soon, alas, Life's bark will reach
Those sandy shores, that thirsty beach,
Lashed by the sad wave's tongue.

For Love will land us on that strand
Strewn with gaunt ribs of former wrecks,
If we, indifferent to command,
Handle no ropes, but idly stand
Along the uncared-for decks.