1209
To disappear enhances—
The Man that runs away
Is tinctured for an instant
With Immortality
But yesterday a Vagrant—
Today in Memory lain
With superstitious value
We tamper with “Again”
But “Never” far as Honor
Withdraws the Worthless thing
And impotent to cherish
We hasten to adorn—
Of Death the sternest function
That just as we discern
The Excellence defies us—
Securest gathered then
The Fruit perverse to plucking,
But leaning to the Sight
With the ecstatic limit
Of unobtained Delight—
2.2k
1209
To disappear enhances—
The Man that runs away
Is tinctured for an instant
With Immortality
But yesterday a Vagrant—
Today in Memory lain
With superstitious value
We tamper with “Again”
But “Never” far as Honor
Withdraws the Worthless thing
And impotent to cherish
We hasten to adorn—
Of Death the sternest function
That just as we discern
The Excellence defies us—
Securest gathered then
The Fruit perverse to plucking,
But leaning to the Sight
With the ecstatic limit
Of unobtained Delight—
1830 - 1886/Female/American