The Nevermore

Look in my face; my name is Might-have-been;   I am also called No-more, Too-late, Farewell;   Unto thine ear I hold the dead-sea shell Cast up thy Life’s foam-fretted feet between; Unto thine eyes the glass where that is seen   Which had Life’s form and Love’s, but by my spell   Is now a shaken shadow intolerable, Of ultimate things unuttered the frail screen. Mark me, how still I am! But should there dart   One moment through my soul the soft surprise   Of that winged Peace which lulls the breath of sighs,— Then shalt thou see me smile, and turn apart Thy visage to mine ambush at thy heart   Sleepless with cold commemorative eyes.