Impressions: A Book of Verse/Love, Art Thou Gone?

by Lilla Cabot Perry

 

LOVE, ART THOU GONE?

JUST once more in thine eyes' deep heav'n I look
To read the tenderness I would not know
Till love confessed itself and from us took
A joy too great to live on earth below.

Just once more, though the only word: Farewell!
I hear thy love speak in each thrilling tone;
Though cold the word, the impassioned accents tell
That we are parting for love's sake alone.

No more, no more! This handclasp is our last,
Alas, how hands will cling when hearts are one!
Thou sharedst my sorrows in the happy past,
Love, let me bear thy grief! Love, art thou gone?