Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Let Them Go

Let the dream go. Are there not other dreams
   In vastness of clouds hid from thy sight
That yet shall gild with beautiful gold gleams,
   And shoot the shadows through and through with light?
   What matters one lost vision of the night?
         Let the dream go!!

Let the hope set. Are there not other hopes
   That yet shall rise like new stars in thy sky?
Not long a soul in sullen darkness gropes
   Before some light is lent it from on high;
   What folly to think happiness gone by!
         Let the hope set!

Let the joy fade. Are there not other joys,
   Like frost-bound bulbs, that yet shall start and bloom?
Severe must be the winter that destroys
   The hardy roots locked in their silent tomb.
   What cares the earth for her brief time of gloom
         Let the joy fade!

Let the love die. Are there not other loves
   As beautiful and full of sweet unrest,
Flying through space like snowy-pinioned doves?
   They yet shall come and nestle in thy breast,
And thou shalt say of each, “Lo, this is best!”
         Let the love die!