| Jessie B. Rittenhouse, ed. (1869–1948). The Second Book of Modern Verse. 1922. | | | | Choice | | | | Angela Morgan | | | | | | I’D rather have the thought of you | | | To hold against my heart, | | | My spirit to be taught of you | | | With west winds blowing, | | | Than all the warm caresses | 5 | | Of another love’s bestowing, | | | Or all the glories of the world | | | In which you had no part. | | | | | I’d rather have the theme of you | | | To thread my nights and days, | 10 | | I’d rather have the dream of you | | | With faint stars glowing, | | | I’d rather have the want of you, | | | The rich, elusive taunt of you | | | Forever and forever and forever unconfessed | 15 | | Than claim the alien comfort | | | Of any other’s breast. | | | | | O lover! O my lover, | | | That this should come to me! | | | I’d rather have the hope for you, | 20 | | Ah, Love, I’d rather grope for you | | | Within the great abyss | | | Than claim another’s kiss— | | | Alone I’d rather go my way | | | Throughout eternity. | 25 | | | |
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