Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ENVOI: DEATH (2) by GEORGE BARLOW (1847-1913)

First Line: YES: THIS IS THE GREAT CROWN OF LIFE, TO KNOW
Last Line: WHAT TOUCHED MY FOREHEAD?—AH, THE SPRAY, THE SPRAY!
Subject(s): DEATH; DEAD, THE;
Yes: this is the great crown of life,—to know
That death is nearer:—twelve years nearer me
Than when the sunlight filled that Northern sea
With glory infinite, and passion's glow
Fell over the blue waters. Even so,
Death, calm-browed God and Lord, I wait for thee:
With those I love, Lord, I would also be;
For one by one my loved ones, smiling, go.

And I shall follow. I am nearer those
Who have died and left me,—nearer every day.
Soon I shall join the unspeakable repose
Of mighty souls and true who have passed away.
Straight from death's sea to-night the sea-wind blows:
What touched my forehead?—Ah, the spray, the spray!


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