Summary 'After' by Philip Bourke Marston - Poem Analysis

Revision Guide


After
Philip Bourke Marston

, After
A LITTLE time for laughter,
— A little time to sing,
— A little time to kiss and cling,
And no more kissing after.
A little while for scheming
— Love's unperfected schemes;
— A little time for golden dreams,
Then no more any dreaming.
A little while 'twas given
— To me to have thy love;
— Now, like a ghost, alone I move
About a ruined heaven.
A little time for speaking
— Things sweet to say and hear;
— A time to seek, and find thee near,
Then no more any seeking.
A little time for saying
— Words the heart breaks to say;
— A short sharp time wherein to pray,
Then no more need of praying;
But long, long years to weep in,
— And comprehend the whole
— Great grief that desolates the soul,
And eternity to sleep in.