while you're ahead…

I discovered this poem through my college work… I’m fascinated by Helen Thomas, the wife of the poet Edward Thomas and I’m reading all that she has written and that was written about her.  In the morning I’m heading to the University archive to read some of her actual letters.  There is something so special in holding someone personal correspondence… and not just because they’re 100yrs old or so… letters are so personal and private…

Anyway, I think this is a beautiful poem.

And you, Helen   (by Edward Thomas)

And you, Helen, what should I give you?
So many things I would give you
Had I an infinite great store
Offered me and I stood before
To choose. I would give you youth,
All kinds of loveliness and truth,
A clear eye as good as mine,
Lands, waters, flowers, wine,
As many children as your heart
Might wish for, a far better art
Than mine can be, all you have lost
Upon the travelling waters tossed,
Or given to me. If I could choose
Freely in that great treasure-house
Anything from any shelf,
I would give you back yourself,
And power to discriminate
What you want and want it not too late,
Many fair days free from care
And heart to enjoy both foul and fair,
And myself, too, if I could find
Where it lay hidden and it proved kind.