Though you have struck me to the bloody core, It is indeed only one scar the more! And I'll not turn from you as at the other strokes, Nor say "Good-bye," as other times I said. The agony still chokes, And still it seems most restful to be dead. But I'll not say "Good-bye" nor turn away, Nor parting lover play. . . . Leave you? Take everything save all -- my heart? I know the scene too well, too well my part! Hot tears and bitterness; and I would go, Go for an hour, a day, a week -- Is bitterness so short called pique? And in the old, old way, without regret I would return to you; And in the old, old way you would forget That ever I had gone, and let Some casual tenderness Be my return's caress; Or in some vague, absorbed distress, Lift up your shadow eyes to mine still wet. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SCHOOLS OF LITTLE FISH by MARVIN BELL LET ME NOT HATE by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON SONNET TO THOSE WHO SEE BUT DARKLY by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON AND THE GREATEST OF THESE IS WAR by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON VOICES OF THE AIR by KATHERINE MANSFIELD DOMESDAY BOOK: FINDING OF THE BODY by EDGAR LEE MASTERS WE HAVE GONE THROUGH GREAT ROOMS TOGETHER by CARL SANDBURG |