AFTER 
 
 
Now, when the sun falls in the dismal sky 
And no light leaps beneath the plunging prow, 
I know the fullness of my sorrow now :— 
That all my talk and laughter was a lie ; 
That as each hour widens the gulfs that sigh 
Between us ; the truth scores upon my brow 
Sigils of silence, burns in me the vow 
“ I love you, and shall love you till it die.’ 
 
Whether next year, as fondly we made oath 
Shall see us meet at least, whether as wife 
I shall at last gather the whole vow’s breath— 
Not heaven nor hell shall break our solemn troth. 
  love you, and shall love you all my life. 
I love you, and shall love you after death. 
 
95