Poems (Hinchman)/Clearer than life because Death's large outline

by Anne Hinchman

XXXIV IN MEMORIAM

 Clearer than life because Death's large outlineDraws firmly where each day with trembling graspShakes as a hand strain'd past its ready best,Thou standest now, in form more clear than life.

 On that last day, before the curtain fellThat hides thy body from our longing sight,Pillow'd in light and cloth'd around with flowersAnd hallow'd light, thou layest that last day.

 Thy hands, that ever in their shapelinessWere white as lilies, rosier were in deathThan the pale lilies in their lifeless hold;Lovely thy yellow hair, thy face, thy hands.

 O maid, that in thy womanhood had grownBeyond the fret and frenzy of young years,Yet fresh to smooth away the poor world's hurt,Thou standest now, heroic grown, white maid.