Bitter Possession

Our raptures and our sorrows are our own.
Most false it is to say we sympathize;
What man can see as with another's eyes?
The song of one man drowns another's moan;
A man in sorrow always is alone!
He pours his heart out 'neath unpitying skies,
And tells his trouble to the night, and tries
To feel some message with the wind is blown.

He hath his anniversaries of woe;
He walks o'er verdure that hides death below;
He gives to no man, as he takes from none.
The life he lives, none hinder or control;
Only the hearts of lovers beat as one,
For theirs is knowledge, absolute and whole.