The after-even! Ah, did I walk, <br />Indeed, in her or even? <br />For nothing of me or around <br />But absent She did leaven, <br />Felt in my body as its soul, <br />And in my soul its heaven. <br /> <br />'Ah me! my very flesh turns soul, <br />Essenced,' I sighed, 'with bliss!' <br />And the blackbird held his lutany, <br />All fragrant-through with bliss; <br />And all things stilled were as a maid <br />Sweet with a single kiss. <br /> <br />For grief of perfect fairness, eve <br />Could nothing do but smile; <br />The time was far too perfect fair, <br />Being but for a while; <br />And ah, in me, too happy grief <br />Blinded herself with smile! <br /> <br />The sunset at its radiant heart <br />Had somewhat unconfest: <br />The bird was loath of speech, its song <br />Half-refluent on its breast, <br />And made melodious toyings with <br />A note or two at best. <br /> <br />And she was gone, my sole, my Fair, <br />Ah, sole my Fair, was gone! <br />Methinks, throughout the world 'twere right <br />I had been sad alone; <br />And yet, such sweet in all things' heart, <br />And such sweet in my own!<br /><br />Francis Thompson<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/after-her-going/
