Late Visitor

I should like to come in now for a short

While, and sit by your fire. I shall be quite

Still (you recall I was never the sort

"To be loud), and in the frail disturbed light

You will hardly notice me. One or two

Hours, then I shall go-it is not too much

To ask? It would not be too hard for you

To give this small grant in return for such

And such of life-blood and bone, and those sharp

Moments of early marriage that are so

Troubled and exquisite, that gently warp

A young soul till it is beautiful? . . . No

Need to stir the fire. Let the embers grey

Slowly. A proud man is tired, let us say.

S. Bert Cooksley

"WHO WEARS GRIEF LONG"