Erotica/Because

by Arthur Clark Kennedy

Because

Because in years ago
Two people lived and loved,
Because two hearts were moved
By the same mighty throe
That thrilled them through and through,
A nation is alive.

A nation is alive,
Though he and she are dead.
From that glad marriage-bed
Their spirits still survive,
And to the ages give
Their immortality.

Their immortality,
Blent in their children's child,
Glad, sad or mad, or mild,
What was, still is, must be,
Like the eternal sea,
Ever in ebb and flow.

Ever in ebb and flow
Their immortality
Beats onward like the sea.
Because in years ago
Two people loved, lo!
A nation is alive.