A Christmas Ghost-Story
Thomas Hardy
1840 to 1928
South of the Line, inland from far Durban,
A mouldering soldier lies — your countryman.
Awry and doubled up are his gray bones,
And on the breeze his puzzled phantom moans
Nightly to clear Canopus: "I would know
By whom and when the All-Earth-gladdening Law
Of Peace, brought in by that Man Crucified,
Was ruled to be inept, and set aside?
And what of logic or of truth appears
In tacking 'Anno Domini' to the years?
Near twenty-hundred liveried thus have hied,
But tarries yet the Cause for which He died."
Christmas-eve 1899.
Thomas Hardy's A Christmas Ghost-Story
We are busy working to bring Thomas Hardy's "A Christmas Ghost-Story" to life through our unique musical arrangements and will have a full analysis of the poem here for you soon.
At V2Melody, each arrangement is crafted with care through a thoughtful partnership of human artistry and technological innovation. This process involves:
- Deep analysis of the poem's rhythm, structure, and emotional essence
- Careful selection of musical styles that enhance the poem's unique voice
- Balancing traditional poetic expression with contemporary sound landscapes
- Multiple revisions to ensure the arrangement honors the poet's original vision
This creative journey takes time—each composition represents hours of dedicated work to create something that deepens our connection to Thomas Hardy's words in meaningful ways.
While you wait for our complete interpretation, we invite you to explore other musical arrangements in our gallery or learn more about Thomas Hardy's life and contributions to literature.
Check back soon to experience how "A Christmas Ghost-Story" transforms when verse meets melody—a unique journey that makes poetry accessible, engaging, and profoundly moving in new ways.