Classic and Contemporary Poetry
FATHERHOOD, by EDGAR ALBERT GUEST Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Before you came, my little lad Last Line: The means of leading you astray. Alternate Author Name(s): Guest, Eddie Subject(s): Fathers | ||||||||
Before you came, my little lad, I used to think that I was good; Some vicious habits, too, I had, But wouldn't change them if I could. I held my head up high and said: "I'm all that I have need to be, It matters not what path I tread -- " But that was ere you came to me. I treated lightly sacred things, And went my way in search of fun; Upon myself I kept no strings, And gave no heed to folly done. I gave myself up to the fight For worldly wealth and earthly fame, And sought advantage, wrong or right -- But that was long before you came. But now you sit across from me, Your big brown eyes are opened wide, And every deed I do you see, And, O, I dare not step aside. I've shaken loose from habits bad, And what is wrong I've come to dread, Because I know, my little lad, That you will follow where I tread. I want those eyes to glow with pride; In me I want those eyes to see, The while we wander side by side, The sort of man I'd have you be. And so I'm striving to be good With all my might, that you may know, When this great world is understood, What pleasures are worth while below. I see life in a different light From what I did before you came; Then anything that pleased seemed right -- But you are here to bear my name, And you are looking up to me With those big eyes from day to day, And I'm determined not to be The means of leading you astray. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...PLAYING DEAD by ANDREW HUDGINS PRAYER BEFORE BED by ANDREW HUDGINS THE FUNERAL SERMON by ANDREW HUDGINS ELEGY FOR MY FATHER, WHO IS NOT DEAD by ANDREW HUDGINS EUROPE AND AMERICA by DAVID IGNATOW EUROPE AND AMERICA by DAVID IGNATOW ESTATE SALE by WAYNE KOESTENBAUM |
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