When One Forgets

When one forgets, the old things are as dead things; The grey leaves fall, and eyes that saw their May Turn from them now, and voices that have said things Wherein Life joyed, alas! are still to-day-- When one forgets.

The world was noble, now its sordid casement Glows but with garish folly, and the plains Of rich achievement lie in mean abasement-- Ah, Hope is only midwife to our pains!

When one forgets, but maimed rites come after: To mourn, be priest, be sexton, bear the pall, Remembrance-robed, the while a distant laughter Proclaims Love's ghost--what wonder skies should fall, When one forgets!