And did you think my heart <br />Could keep its love unchanging, <br />Fresh as the buds that start <br />In spring, nor know estranging? <br />Listen! The buds depart: <br />I loved you once, but now— <br />I love you more than ever. <br />'T is not the early love; <br />With day and night it alters, <br />And onward still must move <br />Like earth, that never falters <br />For storm or star above. <br />I loved you once; but now— <br />I love you more than ever. <br />With gifts in those glad days <br />How eagerly I sought you! <br />Youth, shining hope, and praise: <br />These were the gifts I brought you. <br />In this world little stays: <br />I loved you once, but now— <br />I love you more than ever. <br />A child with glorious eyes <br />Here in our arms half sleeping— <br />So passion wakeful lies; <br />Then grows to manhood, keeping <br />Its wistful, young surprise: <br />I loved you once, but now— <br />I love you more than ever. <br />When age's pinching air <br />Strips summer's rich possession, <br />And leaves the branches bare, <br />My secret in confession <br />Still thus with you I'll share: <br />I loved you once, but now— <br />I love you more than ever.<br /><br />George Parsons Lathrop<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/i-loved-you-once-7/
