I ONCE LOVED AND I LOST FOREVER
I once loved and I lost forever
She was my star without her knowing
In bitter silence did I her charms admire,
She was my sanctuary, my angel
In distant dreams shattered. . . my life, my fire.
I once loved and I lost forever
She was my meaning, the object
Of many songs of love to sing I feared
She was the zephyr, to the wounds of time the balm,
To succor the woe of my heart unfreed.
I once loved and I lost forever
I have poured into the depths of nothingness--
A dry breeze that sweeps the shriveled vale--
Love unrequited, love unsaid, love embittered
In a soul for pain too weak. . . too frail. . .
I once loved and I lost forever
See now how I to dream am vain!
There is more than heartache in the mirthless strain
I raise to heaven, o, you angels, lend my tears an ear!
I have loved in silence, and in silence was my defeat.
Not until now have I fathomed how the price is dear--
O listen, for to lovelorn live is as death to meet!