I do not love Thee

By Caroline Elizabeth Sarah Norton

1808-1876

I DO not love thee!--no! I do not love thee!
And yet when thou art absent I am sad;
         And envy even the bright blue sky above thee,
Whose quiet stars may see thee and be glad.

         I do not love thee!--yet, I know not why,
Whate'er thou dost seems still well done, to me:
         And often in my solitude I sigh
That those I do love are not more like thee!

         I do not love thee!--yet, when thou art gone,
I hate the sound (though those who speak be dear)
         Which breaks the lingering echo of the tone
Thy voice of music leaves upon my ear.

         I do not love thee!--yet thy speaking eyes,
With their deep, bright, and most expressive blue,
         Between me and the midnight heaven arise,
Oftener than any eyes I ever knew.

         I know I do not love thee! yet, alas!
Others will scarcely trust my candid heart;
         And oft I catch them smiling as they pass,
Because they see me gazing where thou art.

DayPoems Poem No. 644
<a href="http://www.daypoems.net/poems/644.html">I do not love Thee by Caroline Elizabeth Sarah Norton</a>

The DayPoems Poetry Collection, www.daypoems.net
Timothy Bovee, editor

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