A Hanging

Though wilted our flower still can cheer,
Though faint now, the vision still doth show
The love ere we swing to heaven here
When wine and dreams did flow.
I wish to know thy trailing ghost
How I wish it may haunt me
As I recall what I loved the most
Ere we slumber at the gallows tree.
And as thou doth embrace the cloud
My tears I must alas deny
To fall before the crowd
Who laugh into the sky.
We sinners all will cast a stone
And spit into the eye
Of they who dare to sin alone
And rejoice as sinners die.
Farewell innocent sinner--he
Who was a worthy, lonesome friend.
I pray thy soul is first I'll see
When my neck in this rope shall bend.
Our crime was surely soft and sweet
A passion that binds the heart
And while we hang our shadows meet
And shall never be apart.
And here we both now fall
As our fellows each applaud
Now murderers and sinners all
Yet it is we who answer to their God.