For Ever

He heard it first upon the lips of love,And loved it for love's sake;A faithful word, that knows nor time nor change,Nor lone heart-break.

It sung across his heart-strings like a breathOf Heaven's faithfulness, that whispered “NeverTo part, to lose, to linger from your gaze.”She said, “I love forever.”

He heard it then upon the lips of death,Of things that fade and die;A word of sorrow never to be stilled,An ever echoing sigh.

And loneliness within his soul did dwell,And struck upon his heart-strings, crying “NeverTo meet, to have, to hold, to see again.”She said, “Goodbye forever.”