Good-bye – Yes, I am going, <br /> Sudden? Well, you are right. <br />But a startling truth came home to me <br /> With sudden force last night. <br />What is it? shall I tell you? – <br /> Nay, that is why I go. <br />I am running away from the battlefield, <br /> Turning my back on the foe. <br />Riddles? You think me cruel! <br /> Have you not been most kind? <br />Why, when you question me like that, <br /> What answer can I find? <br />You fear you failed to amuse me, <br /> Your husband’s friend and guest, <br />Whom he bade you entertain and please – <br /> Well, you have done your best. <br /> <br />Then, why, you ask, am I going? <br /> A friend of mine abroad, <br />Whose theories I have been acting upon, <br /> Has proven himself a fraud. <br />You have heard me quote from Plato <br /> A thousand times no doubt; <br />Well, I have discovered he did not know <br /> What he was talking about. <br /> <br />You think I am speaking strangely? <br /> You cannot understand? <br />Well, let me look down into your eyes, <br /> And let me take your hand. <br />I am running away from danger – <br /> I am flying before I fall; <br />I am going because with heart and soul <br /> I love you – that is all. <br /> <br />There, now, you are white with anger. <br /> I knew it would be so. <br />You should not question a man too close <br /> When he tells you he must go.<br /><br />Ella Wheeler Wilcox<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/answered/
