For Ever
By Dora Sigerson Shorter
He heard it first upon the lips of love,
And loved it for loves sake;
A faithful word, that knows nor time nor change,
Nor lone heart-break.
It sung across his heart-strings like a breath
Of Heavens faithfulness, that whispered Never
To part, to lose, to linger from your gaze.
She said, I love for ever.
He heard it then upon the lips of death,
Of things that fade and die;
A word of sorrow never to be stilled,
An ever echoing sigh.
And loneliness within his soul did dwell,
And struck upon his heart-strings, crying Never
To meet, to have, to hold, to see again.
She said, Good-bye for ever.