Ernest Christopher Dowson

A Valediction

If we must part,
     Then let it be like this.
Not heart on heart,
     Nor with the useless anguish of a kiss;
But touch mine hand and say:
"Until to-morrow or some other day,
     If we must part".

Words are so weak
     When love hath been so strong;
Let silence speak:
     "Life is a little while, and love is long;
A time to sow and reap,
And after harvest a long time to sleep,
     But words are weak."