Can I forget thee? No, while mem'ry lasts, <br />Thine image like a talisman entwined, <br />Around my heart by sacred friendship's ties <br />Remains unchanged, in love, pure love, enshrined. <br /> <br />Can I forget thee? Childhood's happy hours <br />Would like some flitting phantom mock and jeer; <br />Life's sunny hours, would quickly lose their charm, <br />If Lethe's slumbrous waves but touched me there. <br /> <br />Can I forget thee? 'Tis a sad, sad thought, <br />That friend from friend should thus be ruthless <br />riven- <br />But list, methinks, a sweet voice whispers low, <br />Remember, no adieus are spoke in heaven. <br /> <br />Can I forget thee? No, though ocean's waves <br />May madly leap and foam 'twixt you and me, <br />Still o'er my stricken heart this yearning will remain, <br />Nor time estrange my love, dear one, from thee. <br /> <br />And though on earth again we never more may meet, <br />In that bright Elysian where spirits, holy, dwell, <br />May we in concert with that transported throng, <br />Unite, ne'er more (rapt thought) to say 'farewell!'<br /><br />Mary Weston Fordham<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/on-parting-with-a-friend/
