Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SONNET by EDITH GRESHAM

First Line: SO, GOING, HE LEFT NOTHING OF HIS OWN
Last Line: NOT KNOWING ALL THE THINGS HE LEFT BEHIND.
Subject(s): ABSENCE; SEPARATION; ISOLATION;
So, going, he left nothing of his own
To comfort me while he will be away,
Yet whether for a lifetime or a day
He will be gone, it is not clearly known;
Yet I know this, and feel it to the bone
That aches for his return -- something, I say,
Is left of him who could not with me stay,
And, being alone, I am not all alone.

Yes, something is left, a shadowy memory book,
Wherein I keep the turning of his head,
And whether my love now be quick or dead,
Remain to me his kiss and quiet look:
Oh, Robert thought he would be free as wind,
Not knowing all the things he left behind.



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