modern declaration by edna st. vincent millay

MODERN DECLARATION

I, having loved ever since I was a child a few

      things, never having wavered
In these affections; never through shyness in the

      houses of the rich or in the presence of clergy-

      men having denied these loves;
Never when worked upon by cynics like chiroprac-

      tors having grunted or clicked a vertebra to

      the discredit of those loves;

Never when anxious to land a job having diminished

      them by a conniving smile; or when befuddled

      by drink
Jeered at them through heartache or lazily fondled

      the fingers of their alert enemies; declare

That I shall love you always.

No matter what party is in power;

No matter what temporarily expedient combination

      of allied interests wins the war;
Shall love you always.