None of us remembers these, the days
when passing strangers adored us at first sight,
just for living, or for strolling down the street;
praised all our given names; begged us to smile . . .
you, too, in a little while,
my darling, will have lost all this,
asked for a kiss will give one, and learn
how love dooms us to earn
love once we can speak of it.
— Mary Jo Salter
Exquisite poem, which I’ve just chanced upon. It manages to bring together the poignancy of what’s lost with what’s to come – and love for youthful, burgeoning life – in one fluid mouthful. Has whet my appetite to explore further.