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Leaves of Grass (1891-92)
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AFTER THE SUPPER AND TALK.
After the supper and talk—after the day is done, |
As a friend from friends his final withdrawal prolonging, |
Good-bye and Good-bye with emotional lips repeating, |
(So hard for his hand to release those hands—no more will they
meet,
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No more for communion of sorrow and joy, of old and young, |
A far-stretching journey awaits him, to return no more,) |
Shunning, postponing severance—seeking to ward off the last
word ever so little,
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E'en at the exit-door turning—charges superfluous calling back—
e'en as he descends the steps,
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Something to eke out a minute additional—shadows of nightfall
deepening,
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Farewells, messages lessening—dimmer the forthgoer's visage
and form,
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Soon to be lost for aye in the darkness—loth, O so loth to de-
part!
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Garrulous to the very last. |
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