The town down the river; a book of poems/Au Revoir

by Edwin Arlington Robinson

AU REVOIR

(MARCH 23, 1909.)

What libellers of destiny
Are these who are afraid
That something yet without a name
Will seize him in the shade?

Though fever-demons may compound
Their most malefic brew,
No fever can defeat the man
Who still has work to do;

Though mighty lions walk about,
Inimical to see,
No lion yet was ever fed
On things that are to be.

Wherefore, and of necessity,
Will he meet what may come;
And from a nation will be missed
As others are from home.