Henry Lawson

The Separation

The Separation - fact Summary

Reflects Lawson's Failed Relationship

Henry Lawson’s "The Separation" presents a concise account of a failed romantic relationship marked by mutual misunderstanding, external gossip, and regret. The speakers recognize that kindness and scant worldly experience left them vulnerable to rumor and quarrel. The poem ends with a turn toward private prayer and a wistful wish that different choices might have kept them together. It likely draws on Lawson’s own relationship experiences.

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We knew too little of the world, And you and I were good ’Twas paltry things that wrecked our lives As well I knew they would. The people said our love was dead, But how were they to know? Ah! had we loved each other less We’d not have quarrelled so. We knew too little of the world, And you and I were kind, We listened to what others said And both of us were blind. The people said ’twas selfishness, But how were they to know? Ah! had we both more selfish been We’d not have parted so. But still when all seems lost on earth Then heaven sets a sign Kneel down beside your lonely bed, And I will kneel by mine, And let us pray for happy days Like those of long ago. Ah! had we knelt together then We’d not have parted so.

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