LOVE AND DEATH

Sarojini Naidu

  I dreamed my love had set thy spirit free.

  Enfranchised thee from Fate's o'ermastering power.

  And girt thy being with a scatheless dower

  Of rich and joyous immortality ;

  O Love, I dreamed my soul had ransomed thee,

  In thy lone, dread, incalculable hour

  From those pale hands at which all mortals cower.

  And conquered Death by Love, like Savitri.

  When I awoke, alas, my love was vain

  E'en to annul one throe of destined pain.

  Or by one heart-beat to prolong thy breath ;

  O Love, alas, that love could not assuage

  The burden of thy human heritage.

  Or save thee from the swift decrees of Death.

    

Sarojini Naidu's, "Love and Death" comes from her collection "The Bird of Time"