Classic Poem

“Oh kiss me once before I go,
“To make amends for sorrow;
“Oh kiss me once before we part
“Who shall not meet tomorrow.

“And I was wrong to urge your will,
“And wrong to mar your life;
“But kiss me once before we part,
“Because you are my wife.”

She turned her head and tossed her head
And puckered up her brow:
“I never kissed you yet,” said she,
“And I'll not kiss you now.

“Tho' I'm your wife by might and right
“And forsworn marriage vow,
“I never loved you yet,” said she,
“And I don't love you now.”

So he went sailing on the sea,
And she sat crossed and dumb
While he went sailing on the sea
Where the storm winds come.

He'd been away a month and day
Counting from morn to morn:
And many buds had turned to leaves
And many lambs were born

And many buds had turned to flowers
For Spring was in a glow,
When she was laid upon her bed
As white and cold as snow.

“Oh let me kiss my baby once,
“Once before I die;
“And bring it sometimes to my grave
“To teach it where I lie.

“And tell my husband when he comes
“Safe home from sea,
“To love the baby that I leave
“If ever he loved me:

“And tell him, not for might or right
“Or forsworn marriage vow
“But for the helpless baby's sake,
“I would have kissed him now.”