After great pain, a formal feeling comes (1862)

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–