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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


GRAVIS SULCIS IMMUTABILIS by JAMES ELROY FLECKER

First Line: COME, LET ME KISS YOUR WISTFUL FACE
Last Line: IN SUMMER ON FORSAKEN SHORES.
Subject(s): LOVE; TIME;

Come, let me kiss your wistful face
Where Sorrow curves her bow of pain,
And live sweet days and bitter days
With you, or wanting you again.

I dread your perishable gold:
Come near me now; the years are few.
Alas, when you and I are old
I shall not want to look at you:

And yet come in. I shall not dare
To gaze upon your countenance,
But I shall huddle in my chair,
Turn to the fire my fireless glance,

And listen, while that slow and grave
Immutable sweet voice of yours
Rises and falls, as falls a wave
In summer on forsaken shores.



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