Poems (Mansfield)/To L. H. B. (1894-1915)
TO L. H. B. (1894-1915)
Last night for the first time since you were deadI walked with you, my brother, in a dream.We were at home again beside the streamFringed with tall berry bushes, white and red."Don't touch them: they are poisonous," I said.But your hand hovered, and I saw a beamOf strange, bright laughter flying round your headAnd as you stooped I saw the berries gleam."Don't you remember? We called them Dead Man's Bread!" I woke and heard the wind moan and the roarOf the dark water tumbling on the shore.Where—where is the path of my dream for my eager feet?By the remembered stream my brother standsWaiting for me with berries in his hands . . ."These are my body. Sister, take and eat." 1916.