Two Truths

by Helen Hunt Jackson

Darling he said, "I never meant
To hurt you;" and his eyes were wet
I would not hurt you for the world:
Am I to blame if I forget?

Forgive my selfish tears! she cried,
Forgive! I knew that it was not
Because you meant to hurt me, sweet, --
I knew it was that you forgot!

But all the same, deep in her heart
Rankled this thought, and rankles yet --
When love is at its best, one loves
So much that he cannot forget