THIS first book that I ever knew Was read aloud to me by you -- Friend of my boyhood, therefore take It back from me, for old times' sake -- The selfsame "Tales" first read to me, Under "the old sweet apple tree," Ere I myself could read such great Big words, -- but listening all elate, At your interpreting, until Brain, heart and soul were all athrill With wonder, awe, and sheer excess Of wildest childish happiness. So take the book again -- forget All else, -- long years, lost hopes, regret; Sighs for the joys we ne'er attain, Prayers we have lifted all in vain; Tears for the faces seen no more, Once as the roses at the door! Take the enchanted book -- And lo, On grassy swards of long ago, Sprawl out again, beneath the shade The breezy old-home orchard made, The veriest barefoot boy indeed -- And I will listen as you read. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TONE PICTURE (MALIPIERO: IMPRESSONI DAL VERO) by JEAN STARR UNTERMEYER WELCOME by WILLIAM BROWNE (1591-1643) CUBA LIBRA [APRIL, 1896] by CINCINNATUS HEINE MILLER HUGH SELWYN MAUBERLEY: 8. BRENNBAUM by EZRA POUND PAN IN WALL STREET by EDMUND CLARENCE STEDMAN FRENCH REVOLUTION; AS IT APPEARED TO ENTHUSIASTS AT ITS COMMENCEMENT by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH |