No Death

I saw in dreams a mighty multitude, —
Gathered, they seemed, from North, South, East, and West,
And in their looks such horror was exprest
As must forever words of mine elude.
As if transfixed by grief, some silent stood.
While others wildly smote upon the breast,
And cried out fearfully, " No rest, no rest!"
Some fled, as if by shapes unseen pursued.

Some laughed insanely. Others shrieking, said:
"To think but yesterday we might have died;
For then God had not thundered, ' Death is dead! '"
They gashed themselves till they with blood were red.
"Answer, O God; take back this curse! " they cried.
But " Death is dead," was all the voice replied.