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NOR WILL I FORGET

I do not recall when first I knew
The sky for its infinity,
Or noticed how the lily grew
To border on divinity
In its perfection.

I do not hold in memory
The first surprise of cooling grass
On hot, bare feet, nor can I see
As I first saw, the shadows pass
Across a long evening.

I don't remember when the breeze
First freed my pin-imprisoned hair,
Or when, the first time on my knees,
I offered a shy word of prayer
To a still golden God.

But I remember how a child
Discovers with a new delight
Another world with each beguiled,
Enchanted day, and in each night
Finds many shades of darkness,

Nor will I forget.

M. HENDREN

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