If stores of dry and learned lore we gain, We keep them in the memory of the brain; Names, things, and facts, -- whate'er we knowledge call, -- There is the common ledger for them all; And images on this cold surface traced Make slight impression, and are soon effaced. But we've a page, more glowing and more bright, On which our friendship and our love to write; That these may never from the soul depart, We trust them to the memory of the heart. There is no dimming, no effacement there; Each new pulsation keeps the record clear; Warm, golden letters all the tablet fill, Nor lose their lustre till the heart stands still | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: EDITOR WHEDON by EDGAR LEE MASTERS THE SHOEMAKERS by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER VERBATIM FROM BOILEAU by NICOLAS BOILEAU-DESPREAUX A CAROL: STANDARD OF THE CROSS by HARRIET BREWER |