Skip to content
1867–1900

A LAST WORD

Ernest Christopher Dowson

Let us go hence: the night is now at hand; The day is overworn, the birds all flown; And we have reaped the crops the gods have sown Despair and death; deep darkness o'er the land,

Broods like an owl; we cannot understand Laughter or tears, for we have only known Surpassing vanity: vain things alone Have driven our perverse and aimless band.

Let us go hence, somewhither strange and cold, To Hollow Lands where just men and unjust Find end of labour, where's rest for the old, Freedom to all from love and fear and lust.

Twine our torn hands! O pray the earth enfold Our life-sick hearts and turn them into dust.

Cookies on Poetry Cove

We use cookies to remember your language preference and — only with your consent — to learn how Poetry Cove is used. You can change your mind any time.
A LAST WORD · Ernest Christopher Dowson · Poetry Cove