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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE ALBUM by LEVI BISHOP

First Line: I TAKE YOUR BOOK -- OF AUTOGRAPHS
Last Line: OUR LOVE CAN NE'ER DECAY.
Subject(s): LOVE; MEMORY; TIME;

I take your book -- of autographs:
I take a look -- at photographs.

You here in happy order range,
Your many friends, forever dear --
For fleeting time and restless change,
A precious, lasting souvenir.

Permit me, too, to write my name;
But where? with Jennie or with Mattie?
With Katie, Minnie, or with Pollie?
No matter where, 'tis all the same,
Whether with Nellie or with Hattie;
Then put it here along with Mollie.

The partial act no one can blame;
All petty jealousy may cease;
Admiring all, we thus proclaim,
A preference for a lovely niece.

The memory of tender years --
Those years that quickly fly,
So full of hope, so free from tears,
Can never, never die.

Though far apart we wander,
As time shall roll away;
Our hearts no space can sunder,
Our love can ne'er decay.



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