Farewell

Since you did depart

Out of my reach, my darling,

Into the hidden,

I see each shadow start

With recognition,

and I Am wonder-ridden.

I am dazed with the farewell,

But I scarcely feel your loss.

You left me a gift

Of tongues,

so the shadows tell Me things, and silences toss Me their drift.

You sent me a cloven fire

Out of death, and it burns in the draught

Of the breathing hosts,

Kindles the darkening pyre

For the sorrowful, till strange brands waft Like candid ghosts.

Form after form, in the streets

Waves like a ghost along,

Kindled to me;

The star above the house-top greets

Me every eve with a long Song fierily.

All day long, the town

Glimmers with subtle ghosts

Going up and down

In a common, prison-like dress;

But their daunted looking flickers

To me, and I answer

Yes! So I am not lonely nor sad

Although bereaved of you,

My little love.

I move among a kinsfolk clad

With words, but the dream shows through

As they move.