If I Could But Forget

Read 'If I Could But Forget' by 'Paul Laurence Dunbar' and provide your summary and literary analysis in the comments section below.

If I Could But Forget by Paul Laurence Dunbar

 If I could but forget 
The fullness of those first sweet days, 
When you burst sun-like thro' the haze 
Of unacquaintance, on my sight, 
And made the wet, gray day seem bright 
While clouds themselves grew fair to see. 
And since, no day is gray or wet 
But all the scene comes back to me, 
If I could but forget.

If I could but forget 
How your dusk eyes look into mine, 
And how I thrilled as with strong wine 
Beneath your touch; while sped amain 
The quickened stream thro' ev'ry vein; 
How near my breath fell to a gasp, 
When for a space our fingers met 
In one electric vibrant clasp, 
If I could but forget.

If I could but forget 
The months of passion and of pain, 
And all that followed in their train-- 
Rebellious thoughts that would arise, 
Rebellious tears that dimmed mine eyes, 
The prayers that I might set love's fire 
Aflame within your bosom yet-- 
The death at last of that desire-- 
If I could but forget.

Form: Lyric

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