Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE GHOSTS OF AN OLD HOUSE: THE CALENDAR IN THE ATTIC by JOHN GOULD FLETCHER

First Line: I WONDER HOW LONG IT HAS BEEN
Last Line: BUT I AM AFRAID, AS A LITTLE CHILD, TO TOUCH IT.

I wonder how long it has been
Since this old calendar hung here,
With my birthday date upon it,
Nothing else -- not a word of writing --
Not a mark of any hand.

Perhaps it was my father
Who left it thus
For me to see.

Perhaps my mother
Smiled as she saw it;
But in later years did not smile.

If I could tear it down,
From the wall
Somehow
I would be content.
But I am afraid, as a little child, to touch it.



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