Love Lives Beyond the Tomb

Love lives beyond

The tomb, the earth, which fades like dew—

I love the fond,

The faithful, and the true



Love lives in sleep,

'Tis happiness of healthy dreams

Eve’s dews may weep,

But love delightful seems.



'Tis seen in flowers,

And in the even's pearly dew

On earth's green hours,

And in the heaven's eternal blue.



‘Tis heard in spring

When light and sunbeams, warm and kind,

On angels’ wing

Bring love and music to the wind.



And where is voice,

So young, so beautiful and sweet

As nature’s choice,

Where Spring and lovers meet?



Love lives beyond

The tomb, the earth, the flowers, and dew.

I love the fond,

The faithful, young and true.



by John Clare (1793–1864)