The poem begins with the speaker asking his lover for a final kiss before they are separated and their relationship ends. The speaker is overcome with tears, and promises to love her always. He wonders how other people, facing situations with some hope of relief, can feel sad when he himself is dealing with a totally hopeless situation. He feels overwhelmed by despair.
Though he doesn't regret loving her, and can't imagine ever meeting her without falling in love with her, the speaker does wonder what would have happened if he had never met or fallen for his lover. He confesses that he would probably have avoided his current heartbreak.
Finally, the speaker wishes his lover a future full of love and joy, and asks for a final kiss. He describes his tears again and promises, once more, to love her forever.
