When I become as history, -- long-past history, And hang within my niche upon the wall, I shall enjoy the hum of children's voices -- The new young voices, and the clear footfall. I shall enjoy the merriment and laughter In the long ages following hereafter. All the sweet things that we possess and harbor Must naturally have value of a kind -- But of more transient worth and less regretting Than the warm rich fulfillment of the mind. I shall become a proud ancestress when I see the stalwart grandsons of the men Whom I have known, whom I have loved in friendship, Carry the torch beyond the furthest rim Of far earth's visions. I shall hang resplendent In my cool niche, and think again of him Most well-beloved and cherished, -- understand When our great-grandson bends above my hand. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...AUTUMN SONG by KATHERINE MANSFIELD AN AMERICAN IN BANGKOK by KAREN SWENSON A SOLDIER LISTENS by JEAN STARR UNTERMEYER THE OLD FAMILIAR FACES by CHARLES LAMB SONG, WRITTEN AT SEA, IN THE FIRST DUTCH WAR, 1665 ... by CHARLES SACKVILLE (1637-1706) THE PLACE OF THE DAMNED by JONATHAN SWIFT FRIDAY NIGHT by ISIDORE G. ASCHER A POEM FOR THE SEFIROT AS WHEEL OF LIGHT by NAFTALI BACHARACH |