Malade - Free Audiobook

THE INHERITANCE

SINCE you did depart
     Out of my reach, my darling,
     Into the hidden,
     I see each shadow start
     With recognition, and I
     Am wonder-ridden.

     I am dazed with the farewell,
     But I scarcely feel your loss.
     You left me a gift
     Of tongues, so the shadows tell
     Me things, and silences toss
     Me their drift.

     You sent me a cloven fire
     Out of death, and it burns in the draught
     Of the breathing hosts,
     Kindles the darkening pyre
     For the sorrowful, till strange brands waft
     Like candid ghosts.

     Form after form, in the streets
     Waves like a ghost along,
     Kindled to me;
     The star above the house-top greets
     Me every eve with a long
     Song fierily.

     All day long, the town
     Glimmers with subtle ghosts
     Going up and down
     In a common, prison-like dress;
     But their daunted looking flickers
     To me, and I answer, Yes!

     So I am not lonely nor sad
     Although bereaved of you,
     My little love.
     I move among a kinsfolk clad
     With words, but the dream shows through
     As they move.