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1840–1928

FOUR FOOTPRINTS

Thomas Hardy

Here are the tracks upon the sand Where stood last evening she and I - Pressed heart to heart and hand to hand; The morning sun has baked them dry.

I kissed her wet face — wet with rain, For arid grief had burnt up tears, While reached us as in sleeping pain The distant gurgling of the weirs.

“I have married him — yes; feel that ring; ‘ Tis a week ago that he put it on... A dutiful daughter does this thing, And resignation succeeds anon!

“But that I body and soul was yours Ere he'd possession, he'll never know. He's a confident man.‘ The husband scores,’ He says,‘ in the long run’... Now, Dear, go!”

I went. And to-day I pass the spot; It is only a smart the more to endure; And she whom I held is as though she were not, For they have resumed their honeymoon tour.

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FOUR FOOTPRINTS · Thomas Hardy · Poetry Cove