Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE BEWILDERED GUEST, by WILLIAM DEAN HOWELLS Poet's Biography First Line: I was not asked if I should like to come Last Line: We know we shall not meet him here again. Alternate Author Name(s): Howells, W. D. Subject(s): Guests; Hospitality; Life; Visiting | ||||||||
I was not asked if I should like to come. I have not seen my host here since I came, Or had a word of welcome in his name. Some say that we shall never see him, and some That we shall see him elsewhere, and then know Why we were bid. How long I am to stay I have not the least notion. None, they say, Was ever told when he should come or go. But every now and then there bursts upon The song and mirth a lamentable noise, A sound of shrieks and sobs, that strikes our joys Dumb in our breasts; and then, some one is gone. They say we meet him. None knows where or when. We know we shall not meet him here again. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...LEDA 2: A NOTE ON VISITATIONS by LUCILLE CLIFTON HELSINKI, 1940 by ANSELM HOLLO THE LOW BLACK SQUARE by ANSELM HOLLO AMUSING OUR DAUGHTERS by CAROLYN KIZER POET AND PERSON by DENISE LEVERTOV AFTER THE GUEST; FOR MY BROTHER by GREGORY ORR |
|