The Past Banished Poem by Elaine Polin

In all this time I had no thoughts of you,
Nor dreamed of years of youthful innocence
When love was always in the present tense
And every moment endless seemed, and new.

Now at the twilight of my many days
You call to me and offer love again,
I could no longer bear to feel such pain
As when our roads led us in separate ways.

Too late, my dear, the tears dried long ago
When laughter took their places in my heart,
Filled saddened soul with poetry and art
And dimmed your voice, your face, your youthful glow.

Today I venture forth to a new time
With youth renewed, while you rest far behind.