Classic Poem

Villanelle

W E may dream of what hath been,
But this will alter all our ways:
This is the thing that was not foreseen.

Tho' we avoid the rabble gaze
Yet must we keep some face to show:
We are untouched, the World says.

Haply the World may never know
The marish grief and bitterness
That covers us; 'tis better so.

For we who gloried to excess
Now only ask that none may see
These hours averted, comfortless.

Of our defeat there yet may be
Some grey reward in after days:
O, ache my heart — but quietly!

While the shadow with us stays
We may dream of what hath been;
But this will alter all our ways —
This is the thing that was not foreseen.