If anybody's friend be dead

If anybody's friend be dead
It's sharpest of the theme
The thinking how they walked alive --
At such and such a time --

Their costume, of a Sunday,
Some manner of the Hair --
A prank nobody knew but them
Lost, in the Sepulchre --

How warm, they were, on such a day,
You almost feel the date --
So short way off it seems --
And now -- they're Centuries from that --

How pleased they looked[^a1]were, at what you said --
You try to reach[^a2]touch the smile
And mix[^a3]dip your fingers in the frost --
When was it -- Can you tell --

[^a1: looked | looked]

[^a2: reach | reach]

[^a3: mix | mix]

You asked the Company to tea --
Acquaintance -- just a few --
And chatted close wide this Grand Thing
That dont remember you --

Past Bows, and Invitations --
Past Interview, and Vow --
Past what Ourself can understand[^a4]estimate --
That -- makes the Quick of Wo!

[^a4: understand | understand]