Pebbles and Shells (Hawkes collection)/Only a Slender Graven Band
ONLY A SLENDER GRAVEN BAND
Only a slender graven band, A tiny thing of gold,I took it from my dead Love's hand Her hand so white and cold.
I hid it in my aching breast, O! cruel cruel fate,It filled my heart with mad unrest And crushed me with its weight.
I hid it in a secret drawer, Away from mortal eye,But still it 'drew me by its power— I could not let it lie.
I gave it to a distant friend To keep for me, alack!Before he reached his journey's end I was upon his track.
I tore it fiercely from his hand And threw it in the sea,Then lay me down upon the sand And wept it bitterly.
It fell upon a sea-weed bright That floated to the shore,I seized my treasure with delight And kissed it o'er and o'er.
And now I wear it on my hand Where all the world may see,—But only God can understand How much it means to me.