Is this poem correct?

[collamelly]

Hello everybody, this is the last passage of one Love poem. I just want to know whether this poem has grammatical mistakes or not?..It goes like this:


Yes, someone may be history
But who knows what the future will be
Pray to God as long as you may live
That your love will last to eternity
To someone who will love and care about you
To someone you might not know who


Actually I'm confused with the usage of 'may' and 'might' because they are almost interchangeable. Thus, can anyone explain about these?.. Thank you .

 

[emsr2d2]

Hello everybody, this is the last passage of one Love poem. I just want to know whether this poem has grammatical mistakes or not?..It goes like this:


Yes, someone may be history
But who knows what the future will be
Pray to God as long as you may live
That your love will last to eternity
To someone who will love and care about you
To someone you might not know who


Actually I'm confused with the usage of 'may' and 'might' because they are almost interchangeable. Thus, can anyone explain about these?.. Thank you .

Poetry is always difficult to deconstruct because frequently, in order to ensure that it either rhymes or scans, the grammar is a lower priority. The only "errors" I would identify are that I believe it should be "your love will last FOR eternity" and that, in the last sentence, there should be a comma after "To someone".

As far as may and might are concerned, they are frequently used interchangeably, but shouldn't be. Might means that there is a possibility of something happening. May means that permission has been given or needs to be given.

Example:

I might to to Spain this year = It is possible, but not certain, that I will go to Spain.
May I go to the bathroom? = Please will you give me permission to leave the room in order to go to the bathroom.

Many people use "can" instead of "may" and I remember teachers at my school constantly pointing out the difference:

Student: Can I leave the room?
Teacher: Well, you can. You are able to. You have legs and can walk, therefore you CAN. However, are you sure that is your question?
Student: OK. Please may I leave the room?
Teacher: Yes, you may. Please be back in 5 minutes.