The Last Canto

When shadows fall, how my thoughts wander To that blessed day I first met you, Now, lingering ghosts of a faded past Are telling me I must forget you Forget you? But what nonsense is this? You who are emblazoned on my heart, Sooner would the tide fail the waiting shore Than your memory from me depart Forget you? Could I forget to breathe, Could my restless heart forget to beat? As senseless as that ponderous stone That will cover my earthen retreat! Firmly planted in my mind's terrain, With roots that reach deep in my heart, The memory of your love must remain, Though small comfort lost love does impart But memories are like dried kindling, Bursting into flames when it is stirred, Bringing back to life those vanished hours, And the echoes of each loving word No, love, never will I forget you, And when Darkness lays its final claim, Of Death I will make but one request: That your love be my eternal flame