Fare Well

When I lie where shades of darkness
Shall no more assail mine eyes,
Nor the rain make lamentation
When the wind sighs;
How will fare the world whose wonder
Was the very proof of me?
Memory fades, must the remembered
Perishing be?

Oh, when this my dust surrenders
Hand, foot, lip, to dust again,
May these loved and loving faces
Please other men!
May the rustling harvest hedgerow
Still the Traveller's Joy entwine,
And as happy children gather
Posies once mine.

Look thy last on all things lovely,
Every hour. Let no night
Seal thy sense in deathly slumber
Till to delight
Thou have paid thy utmost blessing;
Since that all things thou wouldst praise
Beauty took from those who loved them
In other days.

Walter De La Mare

Walter De La Mare was an English poet, short story writer, and novelist, best remembered for his works for children and his poem "The Listeners". Born in 1873 in Charlton, Kent, De La Mare's unique blend of haunting, dreamlike imagery and masterful command of language earned him a lasting place in English literature. He was awarded the Order of Merit in 1953, and his works continue to be celebrated for their ethereal and evocative quality.

Walter De La Mare

The Tryst

Walter De La Mare, Simple Poetry

The Pedlar

Walter De La Mare, Simple Poetry

King David

Walter De La Mare, Simple Poetry

Haunted

Walter De La Mare, Simple Poetry

English

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So swift the hours are moving
Unto the time un-proved:
Farewell my love unloving,
Farewell my love beloved!

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And Spring-tide blossomed new?

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A bed for him that fails,
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And the glad hand grips the sword,
Look on thy life amended
And deal out due award.

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The gifts of noon unused;
Think of the eve of scorning,
The night of prayer refused.

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No loving-kindness knows;
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And sorrow, being o'er,
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Ah, then, sweet face burn on,
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