THE BEWILDERED GUEST

by: William Dean Howells (1837-1920)

WAS not asked if I should like to come.

I have not seen my host here since I came,

Or had a word of welcome in his name.

Some say that we shall never see him, and some

That we shall see him elsewhere, and then know

Why we were bid. How long I am to stay

I have not the least notion. None, they say,

Was ever told when he should come or go.

But every now and then there bursts upon

The song and mirth a lamentable noise,

A sound of shrieks and sobs, that strikes our joys

Dumb in our breasts; and then, some one is gone.

They say we meet him. None knows where or when.

We know we shall not meet him here again.

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