THOMAS HARDY

"In Tenebris"

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Wintertime nighs;

But my bereavement-pain

It cannot bring again:

Twice no one dies.

Flower-petals flee;

But since it once hath been,

No more that severing scene

Can harrow me.

Birds faint in dread:

I shall not lose old strength

In the lone frost's black length:

Strength long since fled!

Leaves freeze to dun;

But friends cannot turn cold

This season as of old

For him with none.

Tempests may scath;

But love cannot make smart

Again this year his heart

Who no heart hath.

Black is night's cope;

But death will not appal

One, who past doubtings all,

Waits in unhope.