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 clergymen having denied these loves

Never when worked upon by cynics like chiropractors having grunted or clicked a vertebra to the discredit of these 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.

Public Domain