Impressions: A Book of Verse/A Letter She Wrote but Did Not Send

by Lilla Cabot Perry

 

A LETTER SHE WROTE BUT DID NOT SEND

SAY not you've "lost" me, the word like a stone
Falls on my heart. Though I'm no longer near
To clasp your friendly hand and call you dear
And cheer the sadness that is only known
To my divining love, you're not alone!
My loving thoughts still bear you company,
Drive them not from you, oh, forget not me!
Nor reap in tender leaf the love just sown.

My written words must find their instant way
Straight to your heart as spoken ones have done
In those too happy days so lately gone
When I was with you and you still were kind.
Or have I lost you? 'Tis for you to say—
Me you can never lose but only find.