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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
BALLADE OF THE ALUMNA, by EDITH CHILD
First Line: How sadly in these latter days
Last Line: Another's name is on the door.
First Line: How sadly in these latter days
Last Line: Another's name is on the door.
HOW sadly in these latter days,
In search of memories bitter-sweet,
We tread the once-accustomed ways
With step grown slow, and lagging feet, --
Timed to the pulse's slower beat, --
And climb the stair and reach the floor,
To find -- alas! how time is fleet!
Another's name is on the door!
We timid knock, and beg to gaze
On all once ours -- are shown a seat,
O irony! In sad amaze
We marvel that it looks so neat,
Recalling how we used to meet
At gruesome hours in days of yore, --
Hours that fate can ne'er repeat:
Another's name is on the door.
Our ready chaff, our wordy frays,
Conviction backed by young conceit,
Have left no echoes; nothing stays
To mark how once we "led the street;"
But others come with youthful heat,
Nor reck of those who came before,
And play their part -- their years complete; --
Another's name is on the door.
ENVOY.
Freshmen, our age with reverence greet,
And warning take, though grieved sore,
No words delay, no prayers entreat, --
Another's name is on the door.
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