Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, WHAT I HAVE COME FOR, by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

WHAT I HAVE COME FOR, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: I have come with my verses - I think I may claim
Last Line: I have told what I came for; my ditty is done.
Subject(s): Classmates; Schoolmates


I HAVE come with my verses -- I think I may claim
It is not the first time I have tried on the same.
They were puckered in rhyme, they were wrinkled in wit;
But your hearts were so large that they made them a fit.

I have come -- not to tease you with more of my rhyme,
But to feel as I did in the blessed old time;
I want to hear him with the Brobdinguag laugh --
We count him at least as three men and a half.

I have come to meet judges so wise and so grand
That I shake in my shoes while they're shaking my hand;
And the prince among merchants who put back the crown
When they tried to enthrone him the King of the Town.

I have come to see George -- Yes, I think there are four,
If they all were like these I could wish there were more.
I have come to see one whom we used to call "Jim,"
I want to see -- oh, don't I want to see him?

I have come to grow young -- on my word I declare
I have thought I detected a change in my hair!
One hour with "The Boys" will restore it to brown --
And a wrinkle or two I expect to rub down.

Yes, that's what I've come for, as all of us come;
When I meet the dear Boys I could wish I were dumb.
You asked me, you know, but it's spoiling the fun;
I have told what I came for; my ditty is done.





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