Mandragora/There It Is!

by John Cowper Powys

THERE IT IS!

LET it go, then; let it go!
   It was that frail thing
You will never, never know,
   Winter-time or Spring.
It was only what the sad
   Poets used to call
Love, and praise in many a mad
   Song and madrigal!

Let it go, then; let it go!
   Send your pity after!
For this thing called love is so,
   Pity moves its laughter,
Did you whisper the word "friend"?
   Send that also packing!
Let the smoke be at an end
   When the flame is lacking!

All is well. I blame you not.
   You were born to this.
God in heaven! 'Twas I forgot
   What a woman is!
Let it go, child, let it go!
   I can live without you.
But I cannot bear life so,
   Loving you, to doubt you!