Classic and Contemporary Poetry
FATHERHOOD, by HENRY CHARLES BEECHING Poet's Biography First Line: A kiss, a word of thanks, away Last Line: Though he spread out his hands all day? Subject(s): Fathers | ||||||||
A KISS, a word of thanks, away They're gone, and you forsaken learn The blessedness of giving; they (So Nature bids) forget, nor turn To where you sit, and watch, and yearn. And you (so Nature bids) would go Through fire and water for their sake; Rise early, late take rest, to sow Their wealth, and lie all night awake If but their little finger ache. The storied prince with wondrous hair Which stole men's hearts and wrought his bale, Rebelling, since he had no heir, Built him a pillar in the vale, -- Absalom's -- lest his name should fail. It fails not, though the pillar lies In dust, because the outraged one, His father, with strong agonies Cried it until the day was done -- "O Absalom, my son, my son!" So Nature bade; or might it be God, who in Jewry once (they say) Cried with a great cry, "Come to me, Children," who still held on their way, Though He spread out His hands all day? | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...PLAYING DEAD by ANDREW HUDGINS PRAYER BEFORE BED by ANDREW HUDGINS THE FUNERAL SERMON by ANDREW HUDGINS ELEGY FOR MY FATHER, WHO IS NOT DEAD by ANDREW HUDGINS EUROPE AND AMERICA by DAVID IGNATOW EUROPE AND AMERICA by DAVID IGNATOW ESTATE SALE by WAYNE KOESTENBAUM PRAYERS by HENRY CHARLES BEECHING |
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