They are dwellings of comfort and rest, So easily, friendlily worn; They have fashioned a leathery nest For each individual corn. By many a brotherly mile They have molded themselves to my feet, Submitting their angles the while Till the union is fair and complete. They have known how to want or abound, Have cared not for blacking and pride, And have suffered full many a wound With me as their negligent guide. What gay recollections they share Of sweet-plodding league after league, Fern forests, and glittering air, And honest, contented fatigue! I have brought them and they have brought me Thus far on an intricate road, And though they are homely to see, They deserve a congratulant ode. And I fear me the Golden Street (The Scriptures I would not abuse) Will not feel just right to my feet Unless I can wear my old shoes. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A SUN-DAY HYMN [OR LAMENT] by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES IF WE MUST DIE by CLAUDE MCKAY A SALON SCENE by ANTON ALEXANDER VON AUERSPERG ALL THIS by REBA MAXWELL AVERY STANZAS, OCCASIONED BY THE DEATH OF A RELATIVE ABROAD by BERNARD BARTON THE KNIGHT OF THE BURNING PESTLE by FRANCIS BEAUMONT |