Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, IN HOSPITAL: 6. AFTER, by WILLIAM ERNEST HENLEY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

IN HOSPITAL: 6. AFTER, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Like as a flamelet blanketed in smoke
Last Line: To an immense, complacent dreamery.
Alternate Author Name(s): Henley, W. E.
Subject(s): Hospitals; Surgery


Like as a flamelet blanketed in smoke,
So through the anesthetic 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.





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