Higginson and Bigelow, comps. American Sonnets. 1891.
Sonnets in Shadow (XVIII.)Arlo Bates (18501918)
L
Are common memories, and day by day
The sharpness of their impress wears away.
But love’s remembrances unspoiled withstand
Where some proud town old centuries did slay,
Intaglios buried lie, still in decay
Perfect and precious spite of grinding sand.
What we have hoped or feared, we may forget.
The clearness of all memory time deflours,
Though sure oblivion all things else devours,
Its tracings firm as when they first were set.