Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ANCESTRESS, by MARGUERITE JANVRIN ADAMS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ANCESTRESS, by                    
First Line: When I become as history, - long - past history
Last Line: When our great-grandson bends above my hand.
Alternate Author Name(s): Adams, M.j.
Subject(s): Ancestors & Ancestry; Future; History; Heritage; Heredity; Historians


When I become as history, -- long-past history,
And hang within my niche upon the wall,
I shall enjoy the hum of children's voices --
The new young voices, and the clear footfall.
I shall enjoy the merriment and laughter
In the long ages following hereafter.

All the sweet things that we possess and harbor
Must naturally have value of a kind --
But of more transient worth and less regretting
Than the warm rich fulfillment of the mind.
I shall become a proud ancestress when
I see the stalwart grandsons of the men

Whom I have known, whom I have loved in friendship,
Carry the torch beyond the furthest rim
Of far earth's visions. I shall hang resplendent
In my cool niche, and think again of him
Most well-beloved and cherished, -- understand
When our great-grandson bends above my hand.





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