Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TO LESBIA by JOHN GODFREY SAXE

First Line: GIVE ME KISSES! DO NOT STAY
Last Line: EVERY MOMENT -- AND AGAIN!
Subject(s): LOVE;

I.

GIVE me kisses! Do not stay,
Counting in that careful way.
All the coins your lips can print
Never will exhaust the mint.
Kiss me, then,
Every moment -- and again!

II.

Give me kisses! Do not stop,
Measuring nectar by the drop.
Though to millions they amount,
They will never drain the fount.
Kiss me, then,
Every moment -- and again!

III.

Give me kisses! All is waste
Save the luxury we taste;
And for kissing, -- kisses live
Only when we take or give.
Kiss me, then,
Every moment -- and again!

IV.

Give me kisses! Though their worth
Far exceeds the gems of earth,
Never pearls so rich and pure
Cost so little, I am sure.
Kiss me, then,
Every moment -- and again!

V.

Give me kisses! Nay, 't is true
I am just as rich as you;
And for every kiss I owe,
I can pay you back, you know
Kiss me, then,
Every moment -- and again!



Home: PoetryExplorer.net