After the Supper and Talk.
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 theymeet, 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, E'en at the exit-door turning—charges superfluous calling back—
e'en as he descends the steps, Something to eke out a minute additional—shadows of nightfall
deepening, Farewells, messages lessening—dimmer the forthgoer's visage
and form, Soon to be lost for aye in the darkness—loth, O so loth to de-
part! Garrulous to the very last.