To Betsy – If I Should Fall

If I should fall, do not despair,

I’ve heard a melody, perfect and rare,

Pure as the tones of an Angelus bell,

Vibrating chords in my soul’s deep cell,

Soft in forests when swept by the breeze,

Weirdly on ocean, amongst the wild seas.

Eternal it swells – attuned to the spray,

I love you forever! Forever and aye.

If I should fall, oh love of mine,

Weep not, ‘tis part of the grand design

That weaves in truth a love like ours,

Outlasting time, defying its powers.

See, the ring I gave thee has no end,

Love is immortal, with death cannot blend.

Time shall not alter, it fears no decay,

I love you forever! Forever and aye.

If I should fall, then my last breath

Shall pledge thee on the brink of death.

Serene my soul shall meet its fate,

Sure vigil keeping beside the gate.

Steadfast my faith beholding the light

Safe through all shadows we shall unite,

Love is my guide, I never can stray,

I love you forever! Forever and aye.

What if I fall, I hold my own.

The chasm is bridged by love alone.

Love, purified in joy through pain,

Eternally has bound us twain.

Doubt is a flaw within the lute,

That slowly makes love’s music mute.

No doubt have we, thus dare we say,

Our love is forever! Forever and aye.

Patrick Ryan

(Publ. 5 May 1917)