Forever
by Paul Laurence Dunbar

I had not known before
“Forever” was so long a word.
The slow stroke of the clock of time
I had not heard.

‘Tis hard to learn so late.
It seems no sad heart really learns
But hopes and trusts and doubts
And fears and bleeds and burns.

The night is not all dark
Nor is the day all it seems
But each may bring me this relief:
My dreams.

I had not known before
That “never” was so sad a word.
So wrap me in forgetfulness
I have not heard.