If I could think how these my thoughts to leave, Or, thinking still, my thoughts might have good end; If rebel sense would reason's law receive, Or reason, foiled, would not in vain contend; Then might I think what thoughts were best to think; Then might I wisely swim or gladly sink. If either you would change your cruel heart, Or, cruel still, time did your beauty stain; If from my soul this love would once depart, Or for my love some love I might obtain; Then might I hope a change or ease of mind By your good help, or in myself, to find. But since my thoughts in thinking still are spent With reason's strife, by senses overthrown; You, fairer still, and still more cruel bent; I, loving still a love that loveth none; I yield and strive, I kiss and curse the pain Thought, reason, sense, time, you and I maintain. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...FRAGMENT ON DEATH by FRANCOIS VILLON SUPPLICATION by JOSEPH SEAMON COTTER JR. A COUNTRY BURIAL by EMILY DICKINSON BABY RUNNING BAREFOOT by DAVID HERBERT LAWRENCE THE OLD SWIMMIN'-HOLE by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY AMORETTI: 70 by EDMUND SPENSER |