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.

Collection: 
English
1848
Dante Gabriel Rossetti
Sub Title: 
I. Disappointment in Love

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