Afterwards

Read "Afterwards" at The Eldritch Dark:

http://www.eldritchdark.com/writings/poetry/10/afterwards

This is quite a dark poem, with a strain of paranoia uncharacteristic of Clark Ashton Smith (CAS).  The title suggests that these lines may be describing the reality of a ghost or some other type of specter, trapped in a purgatory of isolation and fear.

Also notable is the relatively simple vocabulary, which lends itself to a rapid pace of reading or recitation.  CAS' poetry is often noted for complex diction and stately tempo, which makes "Afterwards" an unusual work for this author.