Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ROMANCE by WALTER JAMES REDFERN TURNER

First Line: WHEN I WAS BUT THIRTEEN OR SO
Last Line: THEY HAD STOLEN MY SOUL AWAY!
Subject(s): CHILDREN; CHIMBORAZO, EQUADOR; CHILDHOOD;

When I was but thirteen or so
I went into a golden land,
Chimborazo, Cotopaxi
Took me by the hand.

My father died, my brother too,
They passed like fleeting dreams,
I stood where Popocatapetl
In the sunlight gleams.

I dimly heard the master's voice
And boys far-off at play, --
Chimborazo, Cotopaxi
Had stolen me away.

I walked in a great golden dream
To and fro from school --
Shining Popocatapetl
The dusty streets did rule.

I walked home with a gold dark boy
And never a word I'd say,
Chimborazo, Cotopaxi
Had taken my speech away.

I gazed entranced upon his face
Fairer than any flower --
O shining Popocatapetl
It was thy magic hour:

The houses, people, traffic seemed
Thin fading dreams by day;
Chimborazo, Cotopaxi,
They had stolen my soul away!



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