Classic Poem

I DARE to love you in the face of death:
Not death that's near at hand, but sure to come
Some day, somewhere, when drawing further breath
Refuses issue, as the lips go dumb.

We take our heaven in the moment's touch;
Our hands are lifted to protest the Fate
That waits all lovers, be they small or much;
The dust that chokes delirium, soon or late.

With such dark certainty to block our bliss,
Nathless, the central fire that floods the soul,
Shines but the brighter, and our every kiss
Trembles with rapture that defies the goal.

Even unardent death must needs give way,
Seeing our love-lamp leap up clear and strong,
Making a midnight glister like the day;
We hurl denial at death's ancient wrong!