Parting

Coventry Patmore (1823–1896)

IF thou dost bid thy friend farewell,

But for one night though that farewell may be,

Press thou his hand in thine.

How canst thou tell how far from thee

Fate or caprice may lead his steps ere that to-morrow comes?

Men have been known to lightly turn the corner of a street,

And days have grown to months, and months to lagging years,

Ere they have looked in loving eyes again.

Parting, at best, is underlaid

With tears and pain.

Therefore, lest sudden death should come between,

Or time, or distance, clasp with pressure firm

The hand of him who goeth forth;

Unseen, Fate goeth too.

Yes, find thou always time to say some earnest word

Between the idle talk,

Lest with thee henceforth,

Night and day, regret should walk.