Thereupon a banquet spread 

delectable dishes arrayed— 

greens, meats, fruit, and wine: 

marine, fowl, farm, and vine.

 

Alongside me your visage bright, 

imbibing, ingesting, we sup; 

from selfsame platter dine— 

my heart yours, and yours mine.

 

The goblet glints in candle gleam, 

its rim still kissed with berry red; 

we toast not to the fleeting dream, 

but to the life we feast and wed.

 

A hush between the courses falls, 

save for the sigh of pouring rain, 

yet silence speaks where eye recalls 

your touch, my solace and refrain.

 

No richer fare could fill our need, 

nor daintier sweetness tempt the tongue, 

than nearness drawn in quiet deed— 

two souls where once there had been one.

 

And when the final crumbs are gone, 

and all the wine has slipped to air, 

still my heart, steadfast and fond, 

shall remember you—forever there.