XVII. Now and Forever   Forever is not always; this I know. Bounded by desire, it might flow Like an endless river to the sea, Or float away, a drifting boat or tree. Always is a state of mind, its boundaries Set by fate's affections, filled with mysteries That paradox eternity, turn the all to now, Break now off like a stick and leave behind The constant certainties that seemed so real. Forever is not time unfixed but how we feel. Forever, in love's language, makes the mind, Deceived by hope, a fool with bleeding brow. Though always is a state of loving mind, The truth is something shorter, and unkind.