Poem by Thomas MacDonagh

A Song of Another. For Eoghan

Often enough the leaves have fallen there
Since life for her was changed to other care;
Often enough the winds that swept the wave
And mocked my woe, have moaned over her grave.

I will return: Death now can do no more
Anywhere on these seas or on the shore,
Since he has stilled her heart.  I cannot mourn
For her on these wild seas: I will return.

Death now can do no more.  And what but Death
Has any final power?  He ceased her breath,
Striking her dumb lips pallid; quenched the lights
That were, O Death, my stars of the wild nights
Out on rude ocean -- quenched and closed her eyes
That were, O Death, my stars of the dawn-rise!

Long years ago her quiet form was thrust
Into the quiet earth; low in the dust
Her golden hair lies tarnished every thread
These lone long years, tarnished and dim and dead.

I will return to the far valley, blest
With her soul's presence, now her home of rest--
(Where life was peace to her now death is peace)--
There by her grave my pilgrimage may cease;
There life, there death, in my vain heart shall stir
No passion but the old true love of her.

1. The Song of Joy
2. The Seasons and the Leaves
3. Averil
4. In Dread
5. In Calm

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