In Tempore Senectutis
 
When I am old,
   And sadly steal apart,
Into the dark and cold,
   Friend of my heart!
Remember, if you can,
Not him who lingers, but that other man,
Who loved and sang, and had a beating heart,—
      When I am old!
 
When I am old,
   And all Love’s ancient fire
Be tremulous and cold:
   My soul’s desire!
Remember, if you may,
Nothing of you and me but yesterday,
When heart on heart we bid the years conspire
      To make us old.
 
When I am old,
   And every star above
Be pitiless and cold:
   My life’s one love!
Forbid me not to go:
Remember nought of us but long ago,
And not at last, how love and pity strove
      When I grew old!


Webpage © 2002 ELC
Lane Core Jr. (lane@elcore.net)
http://poetry.elcore.net/CatholicPoets/Dowson/Dowson29.html
Created November 12, 2002; not revised.