In Tenebris

In Tenebris

Original Text
Collected Poems of Thomas Hardy (London: Macmillan and Co., 1932): 153. PR 4741 F32 Robarts Library.
"Percussus sum sicut foenum, et aruit cor meum." -- Ps. ci.
2But my bereavement-pain
3It cannot bring again:
4        Twice no one dies.
5        Flower-petals flee;
6But, since it once hath been,
7No more that severing scene
8        Can harrow me.
9        Birds faint in dread:
10I shall not lose old strength
11In the lone frost's black length:
12        Strength long since fled!
14But friends can not turn cold
15This season as of old
16        For him with none.
18But love can not make smart
19Again this year his heart
20        Who no heart hath.
22But death will not appal
23One who, past doubtings all,
24        Waits in unhope.

Notes

1] The epigraph means "My heart is smitten, and withered like grass."
In 1903 the title is "De Profundis." Back to Line
13] dun: dark brownish-grey. Back to Line
17] scath: injure, scathe. Back to Line
21] cope: garment covering from head to foot. Back to Line
Publication Start Year
1902
Publication Notes
Poems of the Past and Present, 2nd edn. (1902 [1901]: London: Macmillan, 1903). PR 4741 F03 Robarts Library
RPO poem Editors
Ian Lancashire
RPO Edition
RPO 1998.
Rhyme