Why are Thomas Hardy’s Poems of 1912–13 considered important?

The "Poems of 1912–13" are widely considered the peak of Thomas Hardy’s poetic achievement. These poems were written in the wake of the sudden death of his first wife, Emma Hardy, in 1912, which ended two decades of domestic estrangement.1

The collection is significant because it captures Hardy’s profound feelings of regret and remorse, resulting in deeply personal and moving works such as "The Voice" and "After a Journey". These poems were later included in his 1914 collection, Satires of Circumstance, where they served as a public testament to his enduring devotion to his late wife.1