Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A MEMORY, by IRENE R. GILMORE


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A MEMORY, by                    
First Line: So clearly stands out in memory's vision
Last Line: Just kids on a lark from the sweet gum tree.
Subject(s): Memory


So clearly stands out in memory's vision
A lane that led to childhood's Elysium.

Through the wood lot we scampered, 'neath tall shady trees,
Where bird calls mingled with the drone of the bees;

Then following the trail still onward we stole,
Till finally we came to the "ole swimmin' hole."

That "ole swimmin' hole"! What a place of delight!
Where the boys knew for sure they were clear out of sight.

Luscious berries hung heavy on vines near by,
The blue of sweet William outrivaled the sky.

Yet onward this path lured our too willing feet --
Such a path! All lined with violets sweet,

While dogwood and redbud grew along each side,
Like sentinels stationed our feet to guide.

Through a cool, dim aisle of o'erlapping boughs,
Where lovers might linger to make rash vows,

The sunlight filtered through a foliage screen,
And made lacy patterns on a carpet of green.

The tinkle of cowbells came faint from afar
To complete this scene that nothing might mar.

But why all this urge through a place so fair,
Free from goblins and ghosts and bugaboo's lair?

A place indeed where fairies might throng,
And dance to the tune of the mockingbird's song.

But fairies forsooth! Our aim, our goal
Was a sweet gum tree, with wealth untold.

This grand old tree! A victim of greed.
From its sides all scarred to fill our need,

The clear gum oozed so fragrant and white --
Filled our souls with joy, our hearts with delight.

We swarmed round the tree till shadows grew long --
Then scurried back home with a gleeful song.

Our hands all sticky, but what cared we?
Just kids on a lark from the Sweet Gum Tree.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net