But Once

I kissed her lips but once,

     But instantly there came

Straight from my youthful soul,

     A fierce, undying flame.

She kissed my lips but once,

     Her eyes became divine;

The doubts of year had fled,

     I knew her heart were mine.

But once! It took that that kiss

     To know each other’s heart;

Alas, too late, such bliss!

     And then – a life apart.

Feb. 7, ‘97