Forever
Published in Poem Of The Day
I had not known before
Forever was so long a word.
The slow stroke of the clock of time
I had not heard.
'Tis hard to learn so late;
It seems no sad heart really learns,
But hopes and trusts and doubts and fears,
And bleeds and burns.
The night is not all dark,
Nor is the day all it seems,
But each may bring me this relief-
My dreams and dreams.
I had not known before
That Never was so sad a word,
So wrap me in forgetfulness-
I have not heard.
About this poem
"Forever" was published in Paul Laurence Dunbar's "Lyrics of Sunshine and Shadow" (The Century Co., 1901).
About Paul Laurence Dunbar
Born on June 27, 1872, Paul Laurence Dunbar was one of the first African-American poets to gain national recognition. His collections of verse include "Majors and Minors" (1895) and "Lyrics of Love and Laughter" (1903). Dunbar died in Dayton, Ohio, on Feb. 9, 1906, at the age of 33.
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This poem is in the public domain. Distributed by King Features Syndicate
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