After the Supper and Talk

After the supper and talk⁠—after the day is done, As a friend from friends his final withdrawal prolonging, Goodbye and Goodbye with emotional lips repeating, (So hard for his hand to release those hands⁠—no more will they meet, 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 depart! Garrulous to the very last.