Because thy flame is spent

A poem by Sri Aurobindo


Because thy Flame is Spent

Because thy flame is spent, shall mine grow less,
O bud, O wonder of the opening rose?
Why both my soul and Love it would disgrace
If I could trade in love, begin and close
My long account of passion, like a book
Of merchant's credit given to be repaid,
Or not returned, struck off with lowering look
Like a bad debt uncritically made.
What thou couldst give, thou gav'st me, one sweet smile
Worth all the sunlight that the years contain,
One month of months when thy sweet spirit awhile
Fluttered o'er mine half-thinking to remain.
What I could give, I gave thee, to my last breath
Immortal love, immovable by death.



Part II : Baroda (Circa 1898-1902) > Sonnets from Manuscripts (Circa 1900-1901)   



NOTES FROM EDITOR

Circa 1900-1901.