After great pain, a formal feeling comes –
The Nerves sit ceremonious, like Tombs –
The stiff Heart questions was it He, that bore,
And Yesterday or, Centuries before?

The Feet, mechanical, go round –
A Wooden way
Of Ground, or Air, or Ought –
Regardless grown,
A Quartz contentment, like a stone –

This is the Hour of Lead –
Remembered, if outlived,
As Freezing persons, recollect the Snow –
First – Chill – then Stupor – then the letting go –

Readings

After great pain a formal feeling comes read by Juliet Stevenson
After great pain a formal feeling comes read by Lindsay Duncan
Select reading
After great pain a formal feeling comes read by Juliet Stevenson
After great pain a formal feeling comes read by Lindsay Duncan
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