Bliss Carman, et al., eds. The World’s Best Poetry.
Volume III. Sorrow and Consolation. 1904. | | | | II. Parting and Absence | | Parting | | Coventry Patmore (1823–1896) |
| | | IF thou dost bid thy friend farewell, | |
| But for one night though that farewell may be, | |
| Press thou his hand in thine. | |
| How canst thou tell how far from thee | |
| Fate or caprice may lead his steps ere that to-morrow comes? | 5 |
| Men have been known to lightly turn the corner of a street, | |
| And days have grown to months, and months to lagging years, | |
| Ere they have looked in loving eyes again. | |
| Parting, at best, is underlaid | |
| With tears and pain. | 10 |
| Therefore, lest sudden death should come between, | |
| Or time, or distance, clasp with pressure firm | |
| The hand of him who goeth forth; | |
| Unseen, Fate goeth too. | |
| Yes, find thou always time to say some earnest word | 15 |
| Between the idle talk, | |
| Lest with thee henceforth, | |
| Night and day, regret should walk. | | | | |
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