ABSENCE, hear thou my protestation <br /> Against thy strength, <br /> Distance and length: <br />Do what thou canst for alteration, <br /> For hearts of truest mettle <br /> Absence doth join and Time doth settle. <br /> <br />Who loves a mistress of such quality, <br /> His mind hath found <br /> Affection's ground <br />Beyond time, place, and all mortality. <br /> To hearts that cannot vary <br /> Absence is present, Time doth tarry. <br /> <br />My senses want their outward motion <br /> Which now within <br /> Reason doth win, <br />Redoubled by her secret notion: <br /> Like rich men that take pleasure <br /> In hiding more than handling treasure. <br /> <br />By Absence this good means I gain, <br /> That I can catch her <br /> Where none can watch her, <br />In some close corner of my brain: <br /> There I embrace and kiss her, <br /> And so enjoy her and none miss her.<br /><br />John Donne<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/that-time-and-absence-proves-rather-helps-than-h/
