Sonnet XXX from 'The Assent' sonnet sequence - long poem by R.C.Appleton.

Sonnet XXX
They are all dead, all gone, those I have loved
Into the dusty vaults of history,
Their talents shattered, spent, the world bereaved
Of architecture, movies, poetry;
Oblivion's gaping maw has swallowed up
Good men and passionate, the hungry flames
Devouring what was dear, his hand's firm grip
On mine, the secrets shared. When that day comes
Again, I would be there, not closeted
In some far distant bar, in drink too deep
To feel it, since the relatives have said
I have no right, or do not know I keep
This vigil, since my name was never said
In my exclusion from that last sickbed.

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