SONG OF A HOPEFUL HEART

Oh, time of our lyrical laughter,
Oh, pageant of glittering days,
The glamourous Aprils--and after,
The delicate mystical Mays!
So gallant and sudden and heedless,
So gayly defiant of regret,
We smiled as we thought how 'twas needless
To vow that we'd never forget
Those galloping days of our blisses,
Alike, and yet never the same--
But you have forgotten my kisses,
And I have forgotten your name.

Oh, always there's one who remembers,
Who brightens, with memories' glow,
The ponderous, sullen Novembers,
The colorless Winters, and slow.
Why linger in shadowy sadness?
Why drape us in in lavender hue?
The red of that magical madness
Our hearts could be wearing anew.
It's only the coward who misses
The glorious rush of the game--
Try hard to remeber my kisses;
I guess I can remember your name.

by Dorothy Parker

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