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1840–1928

HE PREFERS HER EARTHLY

Thomas Hardy

This after-sunset is a sight for seeing, Cliff-heads of craggy cloud surrounding it. — And dwell you in that glory-show? You may; for there are strange strange things in being,

Stranger than I know. Yet if that chasm of splendour claim your presence Which glows between the ash cloud and the dun, How changed must be your mortal mould!

Changed to a firmament-riding earthless essence From what you were of old: All too unlike the fond and fragile creature Then known to me... Well, shall I say it plain?

I would not have you thus and there, But still would grieve on, missing you, still feature You as the one you were.

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HE PREFERS HER EARTHLY · Thomas Hardy · Poetry Cove