Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

BEYOND by LIONEL PIGOT JOHNSON

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: ALL WAS FOR YOU: AND YOU ARE DEAD
All was for you: and you are dead.

For, came there sorrow, came there splendour,

You still were mine, and I yours only:
All was for you: and you are dead.
Then on my breast lay down your head,
For, came there sorrow, came there splendour,
Triumphant in its dear surrender:
You still were mine, and I yours only:
One were we then: though one, not lonely.
Then on my breast lay down your head,

Triumphant in its dear surrender:

One were we then: though one, not lonely.
Oh, is it you are dead,
Oh, is it you are dead, or I?
Both! both dead, since we are asunder:
Both! both dead, since we are asunder:
You, sleeping: I, for ever walking
You, sleeping: I, for ever walking
Through the dark valley, hard and dry.
Through the dark valley, hard and dry.
At times I hear the mourning thunder:
At times I hear the mourning thunder:
And voices, in the shadows, talking.
And voices, in the shadows, talking.

Dear, are there dreams among the dead:

Or is it all a perfect slumber?
Dear, are there dreams among the dead:
But I must dream and dream to madness.
Or is it all a perfect slumber?
Mine eyes are dark, now yours are fled:
But I must dream and dream to madness.
Yet see they sorrows without number,
Mine eyes are dark, now yours are fled:
Waiting upon one perfect sadness.
Yet see they sorrows without number,
So long, the melancholy vale!
Waiting upon one perfect sadness.
So full, these weary winds, of sorrow!

So harsh, all things! For what counts pity?

Still, as each twilight glimmers pale
So long, the melancholy vale!
Upon the borders of each morrow,
So full, these weary winds, of sorrow!
I near me to your sleeping city.
So harsh, all things! For what counts pity?

Still, as each twilight glimmers pale

Upon the borders of each morrow,
I near me to your sleeping city.




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