Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, BALLAD, by THOMAS HOOD



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

BALLAD, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Spring it is cheery
Last Line: What can an old man do but die?
Subject(s): Adversity; Old Age


Spring it is cheery,
Winter is dreary,
Green leaves hang, but the brown must fly;
When he's forsaken,
Withered and shaken,
What can an old man do but die?
Love will not clip him,
Maids will not lip him,
Maud and Marian pass him by;
Youth it is sunny,
Age has no honey, --
What can an old man do but die?
June it was jolly,
O for its folly!
A dancing leg and a laughing eye!
Youth may be silly,
Wisdom is chilly, --
What can an old man do but die?
Friends they are scanty,
Beggars are plenty,
If he has followers, I know why;
Gold's in his clutches
(Buying him crutches!) --
What can an old man do but die?




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