Clouds Without Water

Vi Nay, even thus you could not credit Fate, Even in my arms close cuddled as you lay With hard-shut eyes and lips inebriate With their own kisses all this happy day. Nay, but blaspheming you put hope aside, Bade me forget you, swore yourself a liar, Smiled through the words because you knew you lied Knew that — what waters can put out our fire? So we amused ourselves with cunning brisk Careful arrangements to forget each other, You cut that love-curl from your neck at risk ‘ Of comment — at the slightest — from your mother. You gave it me — God forget me, dear girl, When I forget to treasure up that curl! — 56 — Vil Your loveliness should help me to forget you ; Your murmurous” I love you " like soft bees Humming should help ; although my kisses fret you, They are intended but to give you ease, And help you to forget me; then, the fixed Ardent intentness of my cat-green eyes Flecked with red fire is like a potion mixed Straight out of Lethe, or divination lies. If there be truth in augury, your lips Fastened to mine should be a certain spell To put your memory ot me in eclipse: — In short, if all be true that sages tell, Two days of absence with roast beef and beer Will cure me of you perfectly, my dear!