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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
TO A PRODIGAL OLD MAID, by JOHN ORLEY ALLEN TATE Poet Analysis Poet's Biography
First Line: Sing now no hymn nor chant a dirge
Last Line: To have come a springtime since.
Alternate Author Name(s): Tate, Allen
Subject(s): Spinsters; Old Maids
First Line: Sing now no hymn nor chant a dirge
Last Line: To have come a springtime since.
Alternate Author Name(s): Tate, Allen
Subject(s): Spinsters; Old Maids
Sing now no hymn nor chant a dirge
Nor weep for any dead thing,
Still in her veins an ardent sting
Her beating blood can urge.
To the white pale lily she is kind,
Rearing a few flowers that are red,
Yet sometimes weeds grow there instead ...
In the conservatory of her mind.
A quick caress she gives the rose,
Lilac, geranium -- all in season ...
Oh, if she might have seen a reason
For powdering her nose!
Too deft at lavender and chintz,
Too cold for wooing but not wan,
She dreams a springtime gentleman
To have come a springtime since.
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