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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TO MICHAL: SONNETS AFTER MARRIAGE: 5. IN HER ABSENCE by CHARLES WILLIAMS

First Line: THIS IS HER COUCH, THIS IS HER VERY NEST
Last Line: WHO NEVER YET BROKE PROMISE OR WAS LATE.'
Subject(s): ABSENCE; MARRIAGE; SEPARATION; ISOLATION; WEDDINGS; HUSBANDS; WIVES;

THIS is her couch, this is her very nest,
But O the pillow is untenanted
By her incredible, dear and drowsy head,
And sleepy eyes of loveliness-at-rest;
And easily with the first dawn I guessed
Whose voice awoke me there—did not the bed
Itself complain: 'Ah, whither is she fled
For whom with cunning comfort I am dressed?'

I answer then and cry: 'O yet awhile
Be patient, gentle friend; she comes to-day,
To-night your frame shall love to feel her weight.
Sleep through the sunny hours, nor more revile
Their length than I; she is upon her way,
Who never yet broke promise or was late.'



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