I DO not love thee!--no! I do not love thee! <br />And yet when thou art absent I am sad; <br /> And envy even the bright blue sky above thee, <br />Whose quiet stars may see thee and be glad. <br /> <br /> I do not love thee!--yet, I know not why, <br />Whate'er thou dost seems still well done, to me: <br /> And often in my solitude I sigh <br />That those I do love are not more like thee! <br /> <br /> I do not love thee!--yet, when thou art gone, <br />I hate the sound (though those who speak be dear) <br /> Which breaks the lingering echo of the tone <br />Thy voice of music leaves upon my ear. <br /> <br /> I do not love thee!--yet thy speaking eyes, <br />With their deep, bright, and most expressive blue, <br /> Between me and the midnight heaven arise, <br />Oftener than any eyes I ever knew. <br /> <br /> I know I do not love thee! yet, alas! <br />Others will scarcely trust my candid heart; <br /> And oft I catch them smiling as they pass, <br />Because they see me gazing where thou art.<br /><br />Caroline Elizabeth Sarah Norton<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/i-do-not-love-thee/
