An Autograph
I write my name as one,
On sands by waves o’ errun
Or winter’ s frosted pane,
Traces a record vain.
Oblivion’ s blankness claims
Wiser and better names,
And well my own may pass
As from the strand or glass.
Wash on, O waves of time!
Melt, noons, the frosty rime!
Welcome the shadow vast,
The silence that shall last!
When I and all who know
And love me vanish so,
What harm to them or me
Will the lost memory be?