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Poetry Sunday: Song by Edith Wharton

Occasionally one comes across a poem that says exactly what one would say if one were a poet. Here is such a poem that speaks for me. This one is for Bob.
Song
by Edith Wharton
Let us be lovers to the end,
O you to whom my soul is given,
Whose smiles have turned this earth to heaven,
Fast holding hands as we descend
Life’s pathway devious and uneven,
Let us be lovers to the end.
Dear, let us make of Time a friend
To bind us closer with his cares,
And though grief strike us unawares
No poisoned shaft that fate can send
Shall wound us through each other’s prayers,
If we are lovers to the end.
Let us be lovers to the end
And, growing blind as we grow old,
Refuse forever to behold
How age has made the shoulders bend
And Winter blanched the hair’s young gold.
Let us be lovers to the end.
Whichever way our footsteps tend
Be sure that, if we walk together,
They’ll lead to realms of sunny weather,
By shores where quiet waters wend.
At eventide we shall go thither,
If we are lovers to the end.

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Comments

  1. Brian JosephJanuary 26, 2020 at 5:06 AM

    Thanks for sharing. I have not read much of Wharton’s poetry. It seems that it may be worth reading more.

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    Replies
    1. Dorothy BordersJanuary 26, 2020 at 9:39 AM

      The little bit of her poetry that I have read has been quite evocative and affecting.

      Delete
  2. David M. Gascoigne,January 26, 2020 at 5:54 AM

    It is very beautiful indeed, Dorothy, and if we find the partner in life with whom we wish to live out all our days in this way, we are blessed beyond measure. A friend of mine died a couple of month ago at the age of ninety-four. His wife is ninety, still living in the home they shared together, and if ever I met a couple who epitomized these sentiments it is them,

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    Replies
    1. Dorothy BordersJanuary 26, 2020 at 9:41 AM

      "Blessed beyond measure" is a good way of expressing it. I'm sure your friends felt that way, as do I.

      Delete
  3. Judy KruegerJanuary 26, 2020 at 12:16 PM

    I did not even know that Edith Wharton wrote poetry. Very good. I feel that way about my husband.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Captivated ReaderJanuary 26, 2020 at 12:48 PM

    Love this poem! It's the 1st time I've read it. Like, Judy, I never knew that Edith Wharton wrote poetry.

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    Replies
    1. Dorothy BordersJanuary 26, 2020 at 3:04 PM

      Obviously it is not what she was known for, but it seems that she did write quite a bit of poetry.

      Delete
  5. AlanaJanuary 26, 2020 at 1:47 PM

    That poem is beautiful. I can only hope that my husband and I can share life until the end.

    ReplyDelete
  6. The Butterfly ReaderJanuary 28, 2020 at 7:36 PM

    First time ever reading this poem and it is so beautiful that I love it.

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    Replies
    1. Dorothy BordersJanuary 28, 2020 at 10:19 PM

      I only happened upon it recently myself. I'm very glad I did.

      Delete

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