Not to Keep, about an American World War I soldier’s brief return home, was first published in the Yale Review, January 1917.
THEY sent him back to her. The letter came
Sayingโฆ And she could have him. And before
She could be sure there was no hidden ill
Under the formal writing, he was in her sight,
Living. They gave him back to her aliveโ
How else? They are not known to send the deadโ
And not disfigured visibly. His face?
His hands? She had to look, and ask,
โWhat was it, dear?โ And she had given all
And still she had allโthey hadโthey the lucky!
Wasnโt she glad now? Everything seemed won,
And all the rest for them permissible ease.
She had to ask, โWhat was it, dear?โ
โEnough,
Yet not enough. A bullet through and through,
High in the breast. Nothing but what good care
And medicine and rest, and you a week,
Can cure me of to go again.โ The same
Grim giving to do over for them both.
She dared no more than ask him with her eyes
How was it with him for a second trial.
And with his eyes he asked her not to ask.
They had given him back to her, but not to keep.
