
The narrative explores themes of love, memory, and the enduring nature of emotional connections despite the passage of time and physical separation. The speaker expresses an unwavering commitment to a beloved figure, asserting that no amount of time or distance can erase their bond. The imagery evokes a sense of timelessness, suggesting that true love transcends the constraints of mortality and the physical world. The work delves into the idea that memories, even those buried deep within the past, can be resurrected and cherished. The speaker emphasizes the rarity and value of the beloved, likening them to a queen exalted by kings, highlighting their unique significance in the speaker's life. The metaphor of memory as a stone that can be rolled back suggests that the past is not entirely lost; it can be revisited and relived through recollection. As the narrative unfolds, it reflects on the power of love to endure through trials and tribulations, reinforcing the notion that genuine connections remain vibrant and alive, akin to the freshness of spring. The speaker's resolve to hold onto this love, regardless of external circumstances, underscores the central message of loyalty and remembrance. Ultimately, the work serves as a poignant meditation on the nature of love and the ways in which it can persist, illuminating the profound impact that cherished relationships have on the human experience. The emotional depth and lyrical quality of the language enhance the exploration of these themes, inviting readers to reflect on their own connections and the memories that shape their lives.
By Thomas Nelson Page · First published 1903 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Literary Fiction · 160 words
Oh! do not think that thee I can forget: Though all the Centuries should o'er me roll -- Though Space should spread more far than Pole from Pole, Or star from furthest star betwixt us; yet, I still would hold thee in my heart's core set: More rare than rarest Queens whom Kings extol When Death hath throned them high above regret. Through endless Time when Memory the stone Rolls back from silent years long sepulchred, To call the Past forth from the sullen tomb, Howe'er far 'yond her voice all else hath flown, Shalt thou appear -- her living summons heard -- Fresh as Eternal Spring in all thy radiant bloom.
Unforgotten is listed on Textopian as a poem by Thomas Nelson Page, dated 1903 CE.
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historical fiction · American South · Civil War · nostalgia · memory · family · loss · redemption · identity · heritage · love · sacrifice