Thomas Hardy
The Haunter
He does not think that I haunt here nightly
How shall I let him know
That whither his fancy sets him wandering
I, too, alertly go?
Hover and hover a few feet from him
Just as I used to do
But cannot answer his words addressed me
Only listen thereto!

When I could answer he did not say them
When I could let him know
How I would like to join in his journeys
Seldom he wished to go
Now that he goes and wants me with him
More than he used to do
Never he sees my faithful phantom
Though he speaks thereto

Yes, I accompany him to places
Only dreamers know
Where the shy hares show their faces
Where the night rooks go
Into old aisles where the past is all to him
Close as his shade can do
Always lacking the power to call to him
Near as I reach thereto!
What a good haunter I am, O tell him
Quickly make him know
If he but sigh since my loss befell him
Straight to his side I go
And if it be that at night I am stronger
Go, too, by day I do
Please, then, keep him in gloom no longer
Even ghosts tend thereto!