This is life’s sorrow:

our hearts are drawn to stars that wants us not

 

That one can be happy only where two are;

And that our hearts are drawn to stars

Which want us not.

 

 

 

 

All your sorrow, Louise, and hatred of me

Sprang from your delusion that it was wantonness

Of spirit and contempt of your soul’s rights

Which made me turn to Annabelle and forsake you.

You really grew to hate me for love of me,

Because I was your soul’s happiness,

Formed and tempered

To solve your life for you, and would not.

But you were my misery.  If you had been

My happiness would I not have clung to you?

This is life’s sorrow:

That one can be happy only where two are;

And that our hearts are drawn to stars

Which want us not.

 

Edgar Lee Masters

fra spoon river antologien