I Need Not Go

 I need not go 
Through sleet and snow 
To where I know 
She waits for me; 
She will wait me there 
Till I find it fair, 
And have time to spare 
From company. 

When I've overgot 
The world somewhat, 
When things cost not 
Such stress and strain, 
Is soon enough 
By cypress sough 
To tell my Love 
I am come again. 

And if some day, 
When none cries nay, 
I still delay 
To seek her side, 
(Though ample measure 
Of fitting leisure 
Await my pleasure) 
She will riot chide. 

What--not upbraid me 
That I delayed me, 
Nor ask what stayed me 
So long? Ah, no! - 
New cares may claim me, 
New loves inflame me, 
She will not blame me, 
But suffer it so.

Form: Lyric Comments

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Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace