July 25, 2011

THE THINKER

Weary and alone I stand
evoking tender moments passed,
deep in thought and head in hand.

Forever loving thoughts withstand
the waves of torment and hold fast.
Weary and alone I stand

recalling beaches, softly tanned,
on which the lovers kissed the last.
Deep in thought and head in hand

I clear my thoughts as blown like sand.
The final tide has gone. Alas!
Weary and alone I stand,

looking o’er the lonely strand
and on toward seas of colored glass,
deep in thought and head in hand.

For lovers never understand
that nothing’s here that’s here to last.
Weary and alone I stand –
deep in thought and head in hand.
And how can man die better
Than facing fearful odds,
For the ashes of his fathers,
And the temples of his gods?

- The Lays of Ancient Rome

✤ ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤

I hold it true, whate'er befall;
I feel it, when I sorrow most;
'Tis better to have loved and lost
Than never to have loved at all.

- Lord Alfred Tennyson, In Memoriam