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1840–1928

AFTER A ROMANTIC DAY

Thomas Hardy

The railway bore him through An earthen cutting out from a city: There was no scope for view, Though the frail light shed by a slim young moon

Fell like a friendly tune. Fell like a liquid ditty, And the blank lack of any charm Of landscape did no harm.

The bald steep cutting, rigid, rough, And moon-lit, was enough For poetry of place: its weathered face Formed a convenient sheet whereon

The visions of his mind were drawn.

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AFTER A ROMANTIC DAY · Thomas Hardy · Poetry Cove