I hold to a cup my mother gave me Of tears, bright tears, glad tears to save me, Shed at my birth and ofttimes after -- Tears of pain and tears of laughter. I lift against the shadowing years The brilliance of her cup of tears. And round my neck I wear forever A chain no mortal hand may sever. The links are pride, with honor's clasping, That mocks each tempter's evil grasping, Against all fear enheartening me, My father's bright integrity. Last is this scroll my true-love proffered When all the love her deep heart offered Was sealed therein, its seal commanding All truth, all trust, all understanding. Bound fast forever on my brows Is this phylactery of our vows! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...MOUNTAINEER AND POET by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING THE DESCRIPTION OF COOKHAM by AEMILIA (BASSANO) LANYER CUBA LIBRA [APRIL, 1896] by CINCINNATUS HEINE MILLER ASTROPHEL AND STELLA: 64 by PHILIP SIDNEY FACADE: 17. DARK SONG by EDITH SITWELL |