Classic and Contemporary Poetry
TWO BOYS, by CARROLL RYAN Poet's Biography First Line: These were two of the funniest boys Last Line: Where these two brothers lay. Alternate Author Name(s): Ryan, William Thomas Carroll Subject(s): Boys; Brothers; Death; Friendship; Half-brothers; Dead, The | ||||||||
These were two of the funniest boys That ever had a mother; Roland was the name of one, And Oliver that of the other. One day they to the meadow went The old gray mare to find; Roland, he got up before, And Oliver up behind. And then they to the river ran To swim is not a sin; Roland sat him down on the bank But Oliver tumbled in. These two boys to the theatre went Whenever they saw fit; Roland in the gallery sat, And Oliver in the pit. Their mother sent them both to school To learn to read and write; Roland learned his lessons well, But Oliver learned to fight. On Sunday they to meeting went, Where all good people pray; Roland entered in and stayed, But Oliver ran away. On the mill-pond they another day Went in their father's scow; Roland sat down in the stern, While Oliver stood at the prow. And then they cast their fishing lines To hook some bass and trout; Roland caught a mighty eel, Oliver an old mud pout. These boys were then to College sent, Where for sometime they tarried; Roland took B.A., degree, But Oliver got married. When they came home their father said That schooling did them harm, So Roland went to learn a trade, Oliver staid on the farm. In after years these two boys met One day when they were out; Roland had grown tall and thin, Oliver short and stout. Said Roland, "I am rich and great; My life is full of joys; I ride about in coach of state, And all my sons are boys." Oliver said, "I am content Away from city whirls. I've plenty, and I want no more: My daughters, all are girls." The ladies then came on the scene, Heading their grand parades, Roland's numbered twenty boys, Oliver's twenty maids. Then all began to laugh and sing It was a happy sight Oliver asked them all to come And sup with him that night. Big buns, and cakes, and pies, and tarts Were on the table spread, Sweet honey, milk, and cream, and fruit, And Oliver at the head. They bade good-bye like gentlemen Who part upon the road; While Roland in his carriage sat, On foot old Oliver strode. At last, when they were very old These two good fellows died. Roland he was laid at rest With Oliver by his side. And all the boys and girls would come With flowers every day, And place them on the grassy beds Where these two brothers lay. | 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 |
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