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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


IN THE SHADOWS: 13 by DAVID GRAY (1838-1861)

First Line: AND, WELL-BELOVED, IS THIS ALL, THIS ALL?
Last Line: O HEART! BE MERCIFUL -- I LOVED HIM UTTERLY.
Subject(s): DEATH - CHILDREN; DEATH - BABIES;

And, well-beloved, is this all, this all?
Gone, like a vapour which the potent morn
Kills, and in killing glorifies! I call
Through the lone night for thee, my dear first-born
Soul-fellow! but my heart vibrates in vain.
Ah! well I know, and often fancy forms
The weather-blown churchyard where thou art lain, --
The churchyard whistling to the frequent storms.
But down the valley, by the river side,
Huge walnut-trees -- bronze-foliaged, motionless
As leaves of metal -- in their shadows hid
Warm nests, low music, and true tenderness.
But thou, betrothed! art far from me, from me.
O heart! be merciful -- I loved him utterly.



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