Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Burned Out

Blow out the light: there is no oil to feed it:
   That dim blue light unworthy of the name.
Better to sit with folded hands, I say,
And wait for night to pass, and bring the day,
   Than to depend upon that flickering flame.

Take back your vow: there is no love to bind it:
   Take back this little shining, golden thing.
Better to walk on bravely all alone,
Than strive to hold up, or retain our own,
   By soulless pledge, or fetter of a ring.

When first the lamp was lit, too high you turned it;
   The oil was wasted in a blinding blaze.
Your passion was too ardent in the start--
Set by the lamp: farewell. God gird the heart
   Through darkened hours, and lone and loveless ways.