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1849–1916

SONG OF PARTING

James Whitcomb Riley

Say farewell, and let me go; Shatter every vow! All the future can bestow Will be welcome now!

And if this fair hand I touch I have worshipped overmuch, It was my mistake — and so, Say farewell, and let me go.

Say farewell, and let me go: Murmur no regret, Stay your tear-drops ere they flow — Do not waste them yet!

They might pour as pours the rain, And not wash away the pain: I have tried them and I know.— Say farewell, and let me go.

Say farewell, and let me go: Think me not untrue — True as truth is, even so I am true to you!

If the ghost of love may stay Where my fond heart dies to-day, I am with you alway — so, Say farewell, and let me go.

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SONG OF PARTING · James Whitcomb Riley · Poetry Cove