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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


A SILENT GUEST by LOUISE CHANDLER MOULTON

Poet Analysis

First Line: WE SIT AND CHAT IN THE FAMILIAR PLACE
Last Line: THE STILL GHOST HEARS, AND SMILES, AND -- GOES HIS WAY.

WE sit and chat in the familiar place, --
We two, where in those other years were three, --
Till, suddenly, you turn your eyes from me,.
And in the empty air I see a face,
Serenely smiling with the old-time grace,
And we are three again. All silently
The third guest entered; and as silent we,
Held mute by very awe for some brief space.

And then we question -- Has he come to stay?
Was heaven lonely to the child of earth?
Was there no nectar in immortal bliss
For lips that thirsted for a mortal kiss?
Has the new lesson taught the old love's worth?
The still ghost hears, and smiles, and -- goes his way.



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