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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
EMERSON, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poet Analysis Poet's Biography
First Line: What shall we say? In quietude
Last Line: Our silence, best applause.
Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F.
Subject(s): Death; Emerson, Ralph Waldo (1803-1882); Grief; Life; Memory; Dead, The; Sorrow; Sadness
First Line: What shall we say? In quietude
Last Line: Our silence, best applause.
Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F.
Subject(s): Death; Emerson, Ralph Waldo (1803-1882); Grief; Life; Memory; Dead, The; Sorrow; Sadness
WHAT shall we say? In quietude,
Within his home, in dreams unguessed,
He lies; the grief a nation would
Evince must be repressed.
Nor meet is it the loud acclaim
His countrymen would raise -- that he
Has left the riches of his fame
The whole world's legacy.
Then, prayerful, let us pause until
We find, as grateful spirits can,
The way most worthy to fulfil
The tribute due the man.
Think what were best in his regard
Who voyaged life in such a cause:
Our simplest faith were best reward --
Our silence, best applause.
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