You Were for Us Not Only Love, but Bread

Music: Mathis der Maler: 2nd Movement (Grablegung). By Paul Hindemith. Sequenced by David Siu at Kunst der Fuge.

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Hear me read the poem as an MP3 file. Alpha List Poems About Death Sad Poems Villanelles About This Site Poems for Free Copyright by Nicholas Gordon

You were for us not only love, but bread, Our source of sustenance as well as joy. Now not grief but hunger mourns the dead. We must content ourselves with what we beg, The bitter gifts no kindness can alloy. You were for us not only love, but bread. We miss you, but our hearts have turned to lead. We cannot one sweet pang of pain enjoy. Now not grief but hunger mourns the dead. Nor have we any tears that we might shed For you, nor thoughts that might grief buoy. You were for us not only love, but bread, And so there are no dreams of you in bed, Nor memories with which my mind might toy. Now not grief but hunger mourns the dead. No room, no room, but emptiness instead, A need that does all other need destroy. You were for us not only love, but bread. Now not grief but hunger mourns the dead.