Attentive eyes, fantastic heed, <br />Assessing minds, he does not need, <br />Nor urgent writs to sup or dine, <br />Nor pledges in the roseate wine. <br /> <br />For loud acclaim he does not care <br />By the august or rich or fair, <br />Nor for smart pilgrims from afar, <br />Curious on where his hauntings are. <br /> <br />But soon or later, when you hear <br />That he has doffed this wrinkled gear, <br />Some evening, at the first star-ray, <br />Come to his graveside, pause and say: <br /> <br />'Whatever his message his to tell <br />Two thoughtful women loved him well.' <br />Stand and say that amid the dim: <br />It will be praise enough for him.<br /><br />Thomas Hardy<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-poet-26/
