University of Virginia Library


299

GONE!

Some day, a friend shall, whispering low,
Ask for me at the muffled door,
Hushing the humming of a song,
As one shall answer, “He is gone.”
Then duns shall creep on stealthy foot,
Peering about the half-shut gate;
And when they push in rough and strong,
Then one shall answer, “He is gone.”
Yes, kinsmen from a distance come
Hearty and eager to the door,
Shall, after waiting cold and long,
Hear the hushed answer, “He is gone.”