Not To Keep

by Robert Frost

　　THEY sent him back to her. The letter cameSaying… And she could have him. And beforeShe could be sure there was no hidden illUnder the formal writing, he was in her sight,Living. They gave him back to her alive—How else? They are not known to send the dead—And not disfigured visibly. His face?His hands? She had to look, and ask,“What was it, dear?” And she had given allAnd still she had all—they had—they the lucky!Wasn’t she glad now? Everything seemed won,And all the rest for them permissible ease.She had to ask, “What was it, dear?”“Enough,Yet not enough. A bullet through and through,High in the breast. Nothing but what good careAnd medicine and rest, and you a week,Can cure me of to go again.” The sameGrim giving to do over for them both.She dared no more than ask him with her eyesHow was it with him for a second trial.And with his eyes he asked her not to ask.They had given him back to her, but not to keep. Not To Keep was featured as The Short Story of the Day on Mon, May 29, 2023