Волны

           Iamupheldbypillars,shoreduponeithersidebystarkemotions;butwhichissorrow,whichisjoy?Iask,anddonotknow,onlythatIneedsilence,andtobealoneandtogoout,andtosaveonehourtoconsiderwhathashappenedtomyworld,whatdeathhasdonetomyworld.

           ’ThisthenistheworldthatPercivalseesnolonger.Letmelook.Thebutcherdeliversmeatnextdoor;twooldmenstumblealongthepavement;sparrowsalight.Themachinethenworks;Inotetherhythm,thethrob,butasathinginwhichIhavenopart,sinceheseesitnolonger.(Heliespaleandbandagedinsomeroom.)Nowthenismychancetofindoutwhatisofgreatimportance,andImustbecareful,andtellnolies.Abouthimmyfeelingwas:hesatthereinthecentre.NowIgotothatspotnolonger.Theplaceisempty.

           ’Ohyes,Icanassureyou,meninfelthatsandwomencarryingbaskets--youhavelostsomethingthatwouldhavebeenveryvaluabletoyou.Youhavelostaleaderwhomyouwouldhavefollowed;andoneofyouhaslosthappinessandchildren.Heisdeadwhowouldhavegivenyouthat.Heliesonacamp-bed,bandaged,insomehotIndianhospitalwhilecooliessquattedontheflooragitatethosefans--Iforgethowtheycallthem.Butthisisimportant;"Youarewelloutofit,"Isaid,whilethedovesdescendedovertheroofsandmysonwasborn,asifitwereafact.Iremember,asaboy,hiscuriousairofdetachment.AndIgoontosay(myeyesfillwithtearsandthenaredry),"Butthisisbetterthanonehaddaredtohope.