In Divers Tones

by Charles G.D. Roberts

Edited by Tracy Ware

 

TO THE MEMORY OF SIDNEY LANIER

 
Suddenly falls the rain,
   Still hangs the dripping leaf,
And ah, the pain!—
   The slow, dull ache of my grief,
That throbs—“In vain, in vain,—
5
   You have garnered your sheaf!”

You have garnered your sheaf, with the tares
   Therein, and unripe wheat,—
All that Death spares,
   Who has come with too swift feet,
10
Not turning for any prayers
   Nor all who entreat.

They entreated with tears. But I—
   Ah me, all I can say
Is only a cry!
15
   I had loved you many a day,
Yet never had fate drawn nigh
   My way to your way.

My spirit made swift with love
   Went forth to you in your place
20
Far off and above.
   Tho’ we met not face to face,
My Elder Brother, yet love
   Had pierced through space!