Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE STORY WITHOUT END, by DORA SIGERSON SHORTER Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: Before my time my kindred were Last Line: The story without end. Alternate Author Name(s): Sigerson, Dora; Shorter, Mrs. Clement Subject(s): Nationalism - Ireland; Patriotism | ||||||||
BEFORE my time my kindred were As felons in their land, Because they claimed the liberty That freemen understand. Ere I was born in Dublin town Men's hearts were still aflame; They spoke of Allen and O'Brien, And whispered Larkin's name. When I slept on my mother's breast, A little babe, and frail, Young Duffy's hearse went slowly by: He died in Milbank Jail. When I could read, I spelt and knew The lives of patriot men; When I could write, my pencil traced "A Nation Once Again." I learnt of those who often knew The baton and the cell, Who asked for right by peaceful means O'Connell to Parnell. And once when thro' the cheering streets Some "felon" homeward came I lit, amongst the gayer lights, My candle's tiny flame. When I was but a little child I ran by Kickham's side; I heard his bitter story told In reverence and pride. And when with years he passed away, When life was young and fair, I stood upon time's crowded path, And met O'Leary there. I saw with pity and amaze A craven party go, Obedient to a Scotsman's word, For Parnell's overthrow. Before Kilmainham's bloodstained walls I stood all cold and still; I lived through all the awful night That shadowed Pentonville. If thus o'er one life's blotted page Some neutral soul should bend, He'll read to-day as yesterday The story without end. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SHINE, REPUBLIC by ROBINSON JEFFERS NIGHT WITHOUT SLEEP by ROBINSON JEFFERS SEVEN LAMENTS FOR THE WAR-DEAD: 6 by YEHUDA AMICHAI A CAROL FOR THE NEW YEAR by EDWIN MARKHAM A SONG OF VICTORY by EDWIN MARKHAM BROTHERHOOD (1) by EDWIN MARKHAM THE ERRAND IMPERIOUS by EDWIN MARKHAM THE WIND ON THE HILLS by DORA SIGERSON SHORTER |
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