Poems (Jackson)/Two Truths

by Helen Hunt Jackson

TWO TRUTHS.

"ARLING," he said, "I never meant
 To hurt you;" and his eyes were wet.
"I would not hurt you for the world:
 Am I to blame if I forget?"

"Forgive my selfish tears!" she cried,
 "Forgive! I knew that it was not
Because you meant to hurt me, sweet,—
 I knew it was that you forgot!"

But all the same, deep in her heart
 Rankled this thought, and rankles yet,—
"When love is at its best, one loves
 So much that he cannot forget."