Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TWO POINTS OF VIEW by EDMUND WILLIAM GOSSE

First Line: IF I FORGET, - MAY JOY PLEDGE THIS WEAK HEART TO SORROW!
Last Line: THOUGH YOU FORGET.

IF I forget, --
May joy pledge this weak heart to sorrow!
If I forget, --
May my soul's coloured summer borrow
The hueless tones of storm and rain,
Of ruth and terror, shame and pain, --
If I forget!

Though you forget, --
There is no binding code for beauty;
Though you forget, --
Love was your charm, but not your duty;
And life's worst breeze must never bring
A ruffle to your silken wing, --
Though you forget.

If I forget, --
The salt creek may forget the ocean;
If I forget
The heart whence flows my heart's bright motion,
May I sink meanlier than the worst,
Abandoned, outcast, crushed, accurst, --
If I forget!

Though you forget, --
No word of mine shall mar your pleasure;
Though you forget, --
You filled my barren life with treasure,
You may withdraw the gift you gave,
You still are lord, I still am slave, --
Though you forget.



Home: PoetryExplorer.net