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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
A MAN CHILD IS BORN (1809), by EDGAR LEE MASTERS Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The wind blows through the chinks it's snowing too Last Line: With logs to mend the fire! Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States | |||
(A neighbor woman is talking) The wind blows through the chinks -- it's snowing too, Tom piles the logs on, but that door is loose. An earthen floor is always cold. You're warm. I'm glad I brought a kiverlid along, An extra one comes handy at this time. You are all right -- you had an easy time, Considering this baby, big and long. He's very long, will be a tall man, too, A hunter and a chopper, Indian fighter, Lord, who knows what, a big man in the country, A preacher, congressman or senator, A president -- who knows? God blesses you To give you such a son. He nurses well. Don't let him have too much at first. You see That single window gives too little light To show you what he's like. He looks a little Like Nancy Shipley Hanks, your mother, perhaps A little like your aunt, old Mary Lincoln. Since you and Tom are cousins, it may be This boy will be a mixture, but if folks Resemble animals, the traits of you Will be made stronger in this child, because You two are cousins. You will be up to see What he looks like, in just a week or so. Perhaps when next the flames mount in the fire-place The light will show you. Have you named him yet -- Tom likes the name of Abraham -- well, that's good -- You've chosen that! I thought I heard a step -- Who do you think is coming? Dennis Hanks! He's come to see his cousin Abraham. Good mornin', Dennis! come into the fire -- I'll let you see your cousin Abraham -- A big, long baby -- quick! and shut the door, The room is none too warm, the wind is blowing -- Tom's gone for logs again! Here, I'll raise up The kiverlid and let you see -- look here! You think he's homely! Pretty is, you know, As pretty does -- but see how big and long! In fifteen years he'll make you up and come To beat him wrestling, I will bet a coon's skin. Now you may kiss him; in a little bit I'll let you hold him by the fire. The pot Is on for dinner, we are having squirrel And hominy for dinner -- you can stay. Now clear out, Dennis -- I must do some things -- Open the door for Tom, he's coming there With logs to mend the fire! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...JOHN BROWN'S BODY by STEPHEN VINCENT BENET HISTORICAL REFLECTIONS by JOHN HOLLANDER TO ABRAHAM LINCOLN by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON INAUGURATION DAY: JANUARY 1953 by ROBERT LOWELL LINCOLN TRIUMPHANT by EDWIN MARKHAM YOUNG LINCOLN by EDWIN MARKHAM AT SAGAMORE HILL by EDGAR LEE MASTERS BRUTUS LIVES AGAIN IN BOOTH by EDGAR LEE MASTERS SQUIRE BOWLING GREEN by EDGAR LEE MASTERS SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: ALEXANDER THROCKMORTON by EDGAR LEE MASTERS |
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