by Luis G. Dato
All this, the story of my love for you
Will seem as tedious as a twice-told tale,
Perhaps a smile to earn, it will not fail
From those who see this subject in poor view,
And others who more worldly tasks pursue
Might heartless ask, “What could the poet ail,
Who once so jovial now look wan and pale?”,
And, asking that, the subject drop anew.
But well, what instinct could be closer to
The heart of life and all the world but this,
Man’s fumbling at the foot of the abyss?
All he has done and all that he shall do
Direct or indirectly all have sprung
From love, that comes but once, when we are young.
