I DO NOT LOVE THEE

I do not love thee! - no! I do not love thee!

And yet when thou art absent I am sad;

    And envy even the bright blue sky above thee,

Whose quiet stars may see thee and be glad.

I do Dot love thee! - yet, I know not why,

Whate'er thou dost seems still well done; to me:

    And often in my solitude I sigh

That those I do love are not more like thee!

    I do not love thee! - yet, when thou are gone,

I hate the sound (though those who speak be dear)

    Which breaks the lingering echo of the tone

Thy voice of music leaves upon my ear.

    I do not love thee! - yet thy speaking eyes,

With their deep, bright, and most expressive blue,

    Between me and the midnight h,eaven arise,

Oftener than any eyes I ever knew.

   I know I do not love thee! yet, alas!

Others will scarcely trust my candid heart;

   .And oft I catch them smiling as they pass,

Because they see me gazing where thou art.

                                            -Caroline Norton