Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, AFTERWARDS, by MARY M. SINGLETON CURRIE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

AFTERWARDS, by                    
First Line: I know that these poor rags of womanhood
Last Line: "with these words carv'd, ""I hop'd, but was not sure."
Alternate Author Name(s): Fane, Violet; Lamb, Mary Montgomerie; Singleton, Mrs.
Subject(s): Women


I KNOW that these poor rags of womanhood, --
This oaten pipe, whereon the wild winds play'd
Making sad music, -- tatter'd and outfray'd,
Cast off, play'd out, -- can hold no more of good,
Of love, or song, or sense of sun and shade.

What homely neighbors elbow me (hard by
'Neath the black yews) I know I shall not know,
Nor take account of changing winds that blow,
Shifting the golden arrow, set on high
On the gray spire, nor mark who come and go.

Yet would I lie in some familiar place,
Nor share my rest with uncongenial dead, --
Somewhere, maybe, where friendly feet will tread, --
As if from out some little chink of space
Mine eyes might see them tripping overhead.

And though too sweet to deck a sepulchre
Seem twinkling daisy-buds, and meadow grass;
And so, would more than serve me, lest they pass
Who fain would know what woman rested there,
What her demeanor, or her story was, --
For these I would that on a sculptur'd stone
(Fenced round with ironwork to keep secure)
Should sleep a form with folded palms demure,
In aspect like the dreamer that was gone,
With these words carv'd, "I hop'd, but was not sure."





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