The Death of Gerard Manley Hopkins

“His mind runs in eccentric ways”
(Its wonders to perform)
The Bishop thought: “He’s in a daze
Of stressed and instressed form”.

He passed away in old Kildare,
As “happy” as could be.
At least it seemed he didn’t care
For death (that set him free).

A private man, a public priest,
A living question mark;
Did he slay the inner beast, Howling in the dark?

What were his thoughts on that last day
Devoted to the Son?
Did all his words just fade away
In silence, one by one?