Poems (Edwards)/I cannot say Farewell

by Matilda Caroline Smiley Edwards

I CANNOT SAY FAREWELL.

I cannot, cannot say "farewell,"
 In silence let us part,
In silence let 'us' break the chain
 That binds us, heart to heart;
No—that were vain, our hearts have been
 Too long linked up in one,
To be, by this last parting scene,
 For evermore undone.

I cannot, dare not, say "farewell,"
 Take back thy hand, I pray,—
Take back thy hand, I cannot breathe
 That solemn word to-day;
I've said "farewell" in other days,
 But now 'twould break my heart;
In holy silence go thy way,
 If we are doomed to part.

I cannot, cannot say "farewell,"
 My heart is full of tears,
O let us part in silence now,
 Too many are my fears,—
Too many are my broken hopes'
 To breathe that bitter word;
"Good bye!" if thou wilt press my hand,
 Let not "farewell" be heard.