The Widow

Read 'The Widow' by 'Thomas Hardy' and provide your summary and literary analysis in the comments section below.

The Widow by Thomas Hardy

 By Mellstock Lodge and Avenue 
 Towards her door I went, 
And sunset on her window-panes 
 Reflected our intent. 

The creeper on the gable nigh 
 Was fired to more than red 
And when I came to halt thereby 
 "Bright as my joy!" I said. 

Of late days it had been her aim 
 To meet me in the hall; 
Now at my footsteps no one came; 
 And no one to my call. 

Again I knocked; and tardily 
 An inner step was heard, 
And I was shown her presence then 
 With scarce an answering word. 

She met me, and but barely took 
 My proffered warm embrace; 
Preoccupation weighed her look, 
 And hardened her sweet face. 

"To-morrow--could you--would you call? 
 Make brief your present stay? 
My child is ill--my one, my all! - 
 And can't be left to-day." 

And then she turns, and gives commands 
 As I were out of sound, 
Or were no more to her and hers 
 Than any neighbour round . . . 

- As maid I wooed her; but one came 
 And coaxed her heart away, 
And when in time he wedded her 
 I deemed her gone for aye. 

He won, I lost her; and my loss 
 I bore I know not how; 
But I do think I suffered then 
 Less wretchedness than now. 

For Time, in taking him, had oped 
 An unexpected door 
Of bliss for me, which grew to seem 
 Far surer than before . . . 

Her word is steadfast, and I know 
 That plighted firm are we: 
But she has caught new love-calls since 
 She smiled as maid on me!

Form: Ballad

♡Like0

Share Comments