I never shall forget thee—'tis a word <br />Thou oft nust hear, for surely there be none <br />On whom thy wondrous eyes have ever shone <br />But for a moment, or who e'er have heard <br />Thy voice's deep impassioned melody, <br />Can lose the memory of that look or tone. <br />But, not as these, do I say unto thee, <br />I never shall forget thee:—in thine eyes, <br />Whose light, like sunshine, makes the world rejoice, <br />A stream of sad and solemn splendour lies; <br />And there is sorrow in thy gentle voice. <br />Thou art not like the scenes in which I found thee, <br />Thou art not like the beings that surround thee; <br />To me thou art a dream of hope and fear; <br />Yet why of fear?—oh sure! the Power that lent <br />Such gifts, to make thee fair, and excellent; <br />Still watches one whom it has deigned to bless <br />With such a dower of grace and loveliness; <br />Over the dangerous waves 'twill surely steer <br />The richly freighted bark, through storm and blast, <br />And guide it safely to the port at last. <br />Such is my prayer; 'tis warm as ever fell <br />From off my lips: accept it, and farewell! <br />And though in this strange world where first I met thee, <br />We meet no more—I never shall forget thee.<br /><br />Frances Anne Kemble<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/to-mrs-norton/
