532

I tried to think a lonelier Thing
Than any I had seen
Some Polar Expiation—An Omen in the Bone
Of Death's tremendous nearness

I probed Retrieverless things
My Duplicate—to borrow
A Haggard Comfort springs

From the belief that Somewhere
Within the Clutch of Thought
There dwells one other Creature
Of Heavenly Love—forgot

I plucked at our Partition
As One should pry the Walls
Between Himself—and Horror's Twin
Within Opposing Cells

I almost strove to clasp his Hand
Such Luxury—it grew
That as Myself—could pity Him
Perhaps he—pitied me