Impressions: A Book of Verse/He is Dejected

by Lilla Cabot Perry

 

HE IS DEJECTED

WE know not if we had a life before,
We know not if a future life we have,
And yet we know love lives beyond the grave;
And glad I'd die to live at your heart's core
Wrapped in your love and grief for evermore.

If from oblivion your love could save
And I might rule where now I am love's slave
I'd welcome Death though stern the smile he wore.

I'd welcome Death nor fear his mysteries
Would you but seal my last breath with your kiss,
I would relinquish life without one sigh.
As others long to live I'd long to die,
If loving you could any virtue prove
My heart were sure of Heaven—a Heaven of love!