the heart that has truly loved never forgets, But as truly loves on to the close

Day 27: "Colors"
Birthday flowers

 

    It's been a good birthday. There are a couple of elements that could have made it better. A few people whose presence would have made this day spectacular. A person whose absence is like a chain around my heart.

    But, y'know, there's still a lot. Healthy (and getting healthier), reasonably financially sound (...ish), inundated by well wishes by friends and family all day. Still having birthdays, still being accused of lying about how many I've had. Food in the fridge, clothes in the closet, gas in the car. A job, a library nearby, and the river not even five minutes away.
     Keeping this in perspective is hard. Please remind me, when I seem to be forgetting.

Believe me, if all those endearing young charms,
Which I gaze on so fondly today,
Were to change by tomorrow, and fleet in my arms,
Like fairy-gifts fading away,
Thou wouldst still be adored, as this moment thou art,
Let thy loveliness fade as it will,
And around the dear ruin each wish of my heart
Would entwine itself verdantly still.

It is not while beauty and youth are thine own,
And thy cheeks unprofaned by a tear
That the fervor and faith of a soul can be known,
To which time will but make thee more dear;
No, the heart that has truly loved never forgets,
But as truly loves on to the close,
As the sunflower turns on her god, when he sets,
The same look which she turned when he rose.

[Thomas Moore {1779–1852}]