If I could but forget <br />The fullness of those first sweet days, <br />When you burst sun-like thro' the haze <br />Of unacquaintance, on my sight, <br />And made the wet, gray day seem bright <br />While clouds themselves grew fair to see. <br />And since, no day is gray or wet <br />But all the scene comes back to me, <br />If I could but forget. <br /> <br />If I could but forget <br />How your dusk eyes look into mine, <br />And how I thrilled as with strong wine <br />Beneath your touch; while sped amain <br />The quickened stream thro' ev'ry vein; <br />How near my breath fell to a gasp, <br />When for a space our fingers met <br />In one electric vibrant clasp, <br />If I could but forget. <br /> <br />If I could but forget <br />The months of passion and of pain, <br />And all that followed in their train-- <br />Rebellious thoughts that would arise, <br />Rebellious tears that dimmed mine eyes, <br />The prayers that I might set love's fire <br />Aflame within your bosom yet-- <br />The death at last of that desire-- <br />If I could but forget.<br /><br />Paul Laurence Dunbar<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/if-i-could-but-forget/
