Classic and Contemporary Poetry
AT EIGHTY YEARS, by RAY CLARKE ROSE First Line: At eighty years the sun of life hangs low Last Line: Then death to hallow all, at eighty years. Subject(s): Death; Life; Old Age; Dead, The | ||||||||
At eighty years the sun of life hangs low, An even-song croons slowly in the heart; No more the footsteps seek the noisy mart; No more the brave arm strikes an ardent blow In sturdy toil, but in the afterglow Of time and chance Old Age, serene, apart From all ambition's crucifying art, Waits, dreaming, for the dawn across the snow. At eighty years! What mysteries of strife And strength, of service done, those years enfold; Of unbelief made faith, of joy and tears, Desires wrecked, or wrought to crown the life! At last the calm; a loved one's hand to hold Then death to hallow all, at eighty years. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A FRIEND KILLED IN THE WAR by ANTHONY HECHT FOR JAMES MERRILL: AN ADIEU by ANTHONY HECHT TARANTULA: OR THE DANCE OF DEATH by ANTHONY HECHT CHAMPS D?ÇÖHONNEUR by ERNEST HEMINGWAY NOTE TO REALITY by TONY HOAGLAND A BACHELOR'S VALENTINE by RAY CLARKE ROSE |
|