The Euphoric Pain of Memory

Entombed in the cold ground -
The deep snow piled above thee, benumbed.
Far, far removed.
Have I forgotten my once former love?

Severed at last by time.

Now, when alone, do my thoughts no longer hover
Over ranges, rivers, and shores
Resting their wings where hedge and fern-leaves cover
Thy gentle heart forever, evermore.

Sweet love of youth, excuse if I forget thee
While the tide of life is pushing me along
Firm desires and darker hopes beset me,
Hopes though unclear, cannot do thee wrong

No other light has illuminated my darkness
No other star has ever shone for me;
No other joy has lightened up my sadness,
No other, for my love as ideal,
No other more than she.

But when the days of paradise had perished,
And even despair was powerless to destroy;
Then did I learn how life could be cherished,
Enhanced, and nourished without the aid of joy

Then did I examine the tears of useless passion -
Detached my young soul from yearning after yours;
Firmly denied its burning wish to hasten
Down to a grave, not mine, but to yours.

And, even yet, I dare not let it languish,
Dare not indulge in memory's euphoric pain;
Once drinking deep from life's pool of anguish
How could I seek the empty world again?