That odd old man is dead a year－1
We miss his stated Hat.
'Twas such an evening bright and stiff
His faded lamp went out.
Who miss his antiquated Wick－5
Are any hoar for him?
Waits any indurated mate
His wrinkled coming Home?
Oh Life, begun in fluent Blood 9
And consummated dull!
Achievement contemplating thee－
Feels transitive and cool.
We miss his stated Hat.
'Twas such an evening bright and stiff
His faded lamp went out.
Who miss his antiquated Wick－5
Are any hoar for him?
Waits any indurated mate
His wrinkled coming Home?
Oh Life, begun in fluent Blood 9
And consummated dull!
Achievement contemplating thee－
Feels transitive and cool.
(F.1156/J.1130)
[1] odd:: single, unmarried.
[2] old man, dead a year:: James Buchanan (1791-1868), the 15th President of the United States. He never married, probably due to the death of his fiancee Ann Caroline Coleman. This poem was written around 1869.
[5] antiquated Wick:: obsolete little light, indicating Buchanan's political career.
[6] any hoar:: any man of hoariness from age. for him:: supported him.
[7] mate:: not wife; Buchanan lived with William Rufus King. Their relationship was suspected.