“The Swift and Sharp-tongued Flame of Death”

The swift and sharp-tongued flame of death Has touched our hearts. We love no more; No more for us to drink the breath Of life in one long kiss and store Its fragrance ’till we kiss again. All that is gone, and gone our dreams. Remember if you will. The stain Of rich red wine for me, it seems, Is better far than memories. And lest the ghostly perfume smell Too sweet, and life be drowned in seas Like this—I drink and say farewell.