Erotica/Lord of All

by Arthur Clark Kennedy

Lord of All

To love and be beloved,To snatch ripe kisses from red lips of youthIs of a truthEarth's utmost blessing, this even I have proved.

To kiss and clasp fresh charmsIn eager arms,To wring Love's moisture from the inmost coreOf a deep heart and hunger still for more,Is to be lord of Love.

Sweetheart, when thou and I,In very ecstasy,Transfuse our souls in death,Each panting amorous breathBut wafts us to the sky.

The goal of our desireWe reach with brain on fire,But reach it to expire.

Alas, how low the fallWhen passions duller burn;Then Life begins to spurnLove that will not return;And Death is lord of all.