Jessie B. Rittenhouse, ed. (1869–1948). The Second Book of Modern Verse. 1922.

Choice

I’D rather have the thought of you

To hold against my heart,

My spirit to be taught of you

With west winds blowing,

Than all the warm caresses

Of another love’s bestowing,

Or all the glories of the world

In which you had no part.

I’d rather have the theme of you

To thread my nights and days,

I’d rather have the dream of you

With faint stars glowing,

I’d rather have the want of you,

The rich, elusive taunt of you

Forever and forever and forever unconfessed

Than claim the alien comfort

Of any other’s breast.

O lover! O my lover,

That this should come to me!

I’d rather have the hope for you,

Ah, Love, I’d rather grope for you

Within the great abyss

Than claim another’s kiss—

Alone I’d rather go my way

Throughout eternity.