LoveandDeath

byAlfredLordTennyson

Whattimethemightymoonwasgatheringlight
LovepacedthethymyplotsofParadise,
Andallabouthimroll’dhislustrouseyes;
When,turningroundacassia,fullinview,
Death,walkingallalonebeneathayew,
Andtalkingtohimself,firstmethissight.
‘Youmustbegone,’saidDeath,‘thesewalksaremine.’
Loveweptandspreadhissheenyvansforflight;
Yeterehepartedsaid,‘Thishouristhine:
Thouarttheshadowoflife,andasthetree
Standsinthesunandshadowsallbeneath,
Sointhelightofgreateternity
Lifeeminentcreatestheshadeofdeath.
Theshadowpassethwhenthetreeshallfall,
ButIshallreignforeveroverall.’