Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, JOHN L. HAS GONE, by WILLIAM A. PHELON


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

JOHN L. HAS GONE, by                    
First Line: The years fly swiftly, and we know the dawn
Last Line: Of graying age—for sullivan has gone!
Subject(s): Death; Praise; Sullivan, John L. (1858-1918); Dead, The; Boston Strong Boy


THE years fly swiftly, and we know the dawn
Of graying age—for Sullivan has gone!

Our thoughts are ranging far along the track
Of the great Past, and memories come back—
Tales that men told at night around the fire,
Of the strong youth who gained his heart's desire—
Higher ambition than the lust of gold—
A champion's laurels to achieve and hold—
A youth who laughed at wealth's insidious lure,
But scattered it among the weak and poor—
A warrior who, with gripped and sinewy hands,
Asked only, "Show me where my foeman stands"—
And scenes of battle, where, like some young bull,
He drank delight of victory to the full!

The years fly swiftly, and we know the dawn
Of graying age—for Sullivan has gone!

The picture changes, and upon the brink
Of dark disaster, wine cups dance and clink.
Young, and yet old—still champion in the fray,
Idol of all, he goes his way.
Rising from sloth, he reassumes his crown,
Stands grim at bay, and strikes his rivals down,
A new-come foe—Fate marks relentless score—
The thud of blows—the champion is no more!
Conquered, defeated, beaten in the ring,
He still lived on—high-honored as a King!
He was Our Champion—and an icy blast
Struck to our heartstrings as the Champion passed!

The years fly swiftly, and we know the dawn
Of graying age—for Sullivan has gone!





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