Not to Keep

by Robert Frost

THEY sent him back to her.  The letter came

Saying . . . And she could have him.  And before

She could be sure there was no hidden ill

Under 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, to ask,

"What is it,dear?"  And she had given all

And 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 care

And medicine and rest, and you a week,

Can cure me of to go again."  The same

Grim giving to do over for them both.

She dared no more than ask him with her eyes

How 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.