AFTER

Like as a flamelet blanketed in smoke, So through the anaesthetic shows my life;

So flashes and so fades my thought, at strife With the strong stupor that I heave and choke And sicken at, it is so foully sweet.

Faces look strange from space--and disappear.

Far voices, sudden loud, offend my ear -

And hush as sudden. Then my senses fleet:

All were a blank, save for this dull, new pain That grinds my leg and foot; and brokenly Time and the place glimpse on to me again;

And, unsurprised, out of uncertainty, I wake--relapsing--somewhat faint and fain, To an immense, complacent dreamery.