All we have in our possession

Cannot falter the progression

Of the sun.

And yet, I am no fool

To live in memory of passing moments;

Those visionary ornaments

We cling to.

I would like it otherwise,

And once believed in your dark eyes—

When they were bright

And free of age and suffering;

But now a veil is covering

Our bygone years.

Trampled on … who can say

Desire is born of air

And not despair?

I lack the strength to cast

The vision out—

But what has haunted me

Can never be!

Take back the time, you thief:

You cannot more deceive.

For I have seen

A lasting loveliness

On dying flowers

Beyond the bloom of Spring.