If I Could But Forget

If I could but forget

The fullness of those first sweet days,

When you burst sun-like thro' the haze

Of unacquaintance, on my sight,

And made the wet, gray day seem bright

While clouds themselves grew fair to see.

And since, no day is gray or wet

But all the scene comes back to me,

If I could but forget.

If I could but forget

How your dusk eyes look into mine,

And how I thrilled as with strong wine

Beneath your touch; while sped amain

The quickened stream thro' ev'ry vein;

How near my breath fell to a gasp,

When for a space our fingers met

In one electric vibrant clasp,

If I could but forget.

If I could but forget

The months of passion and of pain,

And all that followed in their train—

Rebellious thoughts that would arise,

Rebellious tears that dimmed mine eyes,

The prayers that I might set love's fire

Aflame within your bosom yet—

The death at last of that desire—

If I could but forget.