For Deborah

The things of earth are transient and vain,
And every slope is followed by a plane,
The good will always live beside the bad,
Yet there is no reason to be sad.

Take not to heart your losses or your gains,
Do not seek to possess, enjoy the plain,
Do not seek beauty in an empty form,
Look in your heart to pacify the storm.

I loved you, darling, love you now still,
And as the time goes on, my love, I will—
And when my death comes on my final day,
I loved you always is all I want to say.