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Poetry Archives

A continuing selection of classic and contemporary poems.

Nocturne

Dorothy Parker

Always I knew that it could not last
  (Gathering clouds, and the snowflakes flying),
Now it is part of the golden past
  (Darkening skies, and the night-wind sighing);
It is but cowardice to pretend.
  Cover with ashes our love’s cold crater—
Always I’ve known that it had to end
  Sooner or later.

Always I knew it would come like this
  (Pattering rain, and the grasses springing),
Sweeter to you is a new love’s kiss
  (Flickering sunshine, and young birds singing).
Gone are the raptures that once we knew,
  Now you are finding a new joy greater—
Well, I’ll be doing the same thing, too,
  Sooner or later.
Online text © 1998-2008 Poetry X. All rights reserved.
From Enough Rope | Written c. 1925
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