I BURN no incense, hang no wreath, On this thine early tomb: Such cannot cheer the place of death, But only mock its gloom. Here odorous smoke and breathing flower No grateful influence shed; They lose their perfume and their power, When offered to the dead. And if, as is the Afghaun's creed, The spirit may return, A disembodied sense to feed, On fragrance, near its urn, -- It is enough that she, whom thou Didst love in living years, Sits desolate beside it now, And fall these heavy tears. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TO THE LADIES by MARY LEE CHUDLEIGH DEWEY AT MANILA [MAY 1, 1898] by ROBERT UNDERWOOD JOHNSON CALLER HERRIN' by CAROLINA OLIPHANT NAIRNE LITTLE ORPHANT ANNIE by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY THE TRAMPS by ROBERT WILLIAM SERVICE |