The Last Night That She Lived

The last night that she lived,It was a common night,Except the dying; this to usMade nature different.

We noticed smallest things,—Things overlooked before,By this great light upon our mindsItalicized, as 't were.

That others could existWhile she must finish quite,A jealousy for her aroseSo nearly infinite.

We waited while she passed;It was a narrow time,Too jostled were our souls to speak,At length the notice came.

She mentioned, and forgot;Then lightly as a reedBent to the water, shivered scarce,Consented, and was dead.

And we, we placed the hair,And drew the head erect;And then an awful leisure was,Our faith to regulate.