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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


AT THE LAST by LOUISE CHANDLER MOULTON

Poet Analysis

First Line: COME ONCE, JUST ONCE, DEAR LOVE, WHEN I AM DEAD
Last Line: NO HAUNTING GHOST SHALL MEET YOU IN YOUR WAYS.
Subject(s): LOVE;

COME once, just once, dear Love, when I am dead, --
Ah God, I would it were this hour, to-night, --
And look your last upon the frozen face
That was to you a summer's brief delight.

The silent lips will not entreat you then,
Nor the eyes vex you with unwelcome tears:
The low, sad voice will utter no complaint,
Nor the heart tremble with its restless fears.

I shall be still, -- you will forgive me then
For all that I have been, or failed to be, --
Say, as you look, "Poor Heart, she loved me well;
Will any other be so true to me?"

Then bend and kiss the lips that will not speak, --
One little kiss for all the dear, dead days, --
Say once, "God rest her soul!" then go in peace, --
No haunting ghost shall meet you in your ways.





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