The Lady Visitor in the Pauper Ward

Portrait of Robert Graves
Robert Graves 1895–1985

Why do you break upon this old, cool peace, This painted peace of ours, With harsh dress hissing like a flock of geese, With garish flowers? Why do you churn smooth waters rough again, Selfish old skin-and-bone? Leave us to quiet dreaming and slow pain, Leave us alone.

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