After the Supper and Talk + 

After the supper and talk⁠—after the day is done, + 

As a friend from friends his final withdrawal prolonging, + 

Goodbye and Goodbye with emotional lips repeating, + 

(So hard for his hand to release those hands⁠—no more will they meet, + 

No more for communion of sorrow and joy, of old and young, + 

A far-stretching journey awaits him, to return no more,) + 

Shunning, postponing severance⁠—seeking to ward off the last word ever so little, + 

E’en at the exit-door turning⁠—charges superfluous calling back⁠—e’en as he descends the steps, + 

Something to eke out a minute additional⁠—shadows of nightfall deepening, + 

Farewells, messages lessening⁠—dimmer the forthgoer’s visage and form, + 

Soon to be lost for aye in the darkness⁠—loth, O so loth to depart! + 

Garrulous to the very last. + 