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1840–1928

AFTER THE LAST BREATH

Thomas Hardy

There's no more to be done, or feared, or hoped; None now need watch, speak low, and list, and tire; No irksome crease outsmoothed, no pillow sloped Does she require.

Blankly we gaze. We are free to go or stay; Our morrow's anxious plans have missed their aim; Whether we leave to-night or wait till day Counts as the same.

The lettered vessels of medicaments Seem asking wherefore we have set them here; Each palliative its silly face presents As useless gear.

And yet we feel that something savours well; We note a numb relief withheld before; Our well-beloved is prisoner in the cell Of Time no more.

We see by littles now the deft achievement Whereby she has escaped the Wrongers all, In view of which our momentary bereavement Outshapes but small.

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AFTER THE LAST BREATH · Thomas Hardy · Poetry Cove